Students from the University of Guelph Meal Exchange Program dropped in to the Clifford Food Bank recently to deliver 35 cases of goods to help stock the shelves.
Food Bank volunteers Bruce Shannon, Marion Agla, and Bill and Sandy Cheeseman greeted Mackenzie Brown, Hugh Beane, Chris French, Namrata Tilokani, Chris Archibald, Lee-Jay Cluskey, and Audrey Dejong.
Agla explained the Clifford Food Bank program. Families call and leave a message on the answering machine. Food is ready to be picked up on a Wednesday. A food hamper is offered at most once a month to families in need in the community.
Some families may only need to access the service once a year, especially at Christmas. The organization tries to host food drives at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas when the need seems greater.
At Christmas time, 26 hampers were filled for families in Clifford and area. There is considerable support from local schools, individuals, families and businesses.
After finishing their chocolate chip cookies and snacks, the students were on their way for one last delivery before heading back to Guelph. They support 19 organizations and food bank officials say they are honoured to be on the list. Later in the month, the students also sent a cash donation.
Meal Exchange is a student-run, non-profit, national organization that addresses local hunger by using the ambitions and energy of students.
The Clifford Food Bank can be contacted at 519-327-8588.
