A month-long food drive is stirring up some friendly competition in the Kennebecasis Valley.
The Great Food Bank Challenge is when schools and classrooms compete to collect the most non-perishable food items.
Becky MacKay, community schools coordinator, says it’s all about community members helping with the shortages food banks typically face in February.
“Three years ago, Rothesay Elementary wanted to do something for the greater community, so we came up with the idea of a food drive,” she said.
Now the challenge has grown to include all six elementary schools in the Quispamsis/Rothesay area: Rothesay, Lakefield, Quispamsis, Kennebecasis Park, Chris Saunders Memorial and Fairvale.
Schools and classrooms compete to collect the most non-perishable food items, all to help with the shortages food banks typically face in February.
“Last year we collected 18,000 items. This year we have another school on board, so we are projecting over 20,000,” said MacKay.
She says more than 2,000 people help with the food drive and this year eight different food baskets will benefit from the drive.
“On the final day of February, I get to go to the food banks myself and do the delivery and it’s significant. We have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of boxes of food, and they’re overwhelmed,” said MacKay.
The challenge runs until Feb. 27, and the winners get bragging rights and possession of the challenge plaque.
