Volunteers sorting through Target Hunger donations on June 10, 2023. (Photo: Target Hunger)

By Justin Goulet

Over 56,000 pounds of food collected as part of 2023 Target Hunger in Lethbridge

Jun 12, 2023 | 4:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The annual Target Hunger campaign was a success in Lethbridge over the weekend.

The initiative saw volunteers go around the city on Saturday, June 10, 2023, collecting specially marked yellow bags containing donations for both the Lethbridge Food Bank and Interfaith Food Bank.

In total, residents helped surpass the collection goal of 50,000 pounds of food by donated over 56,000 pounds to help restock the shelves at both local food banks.

The campaign also accepted financial contributions, which brought the final value of community contributions to almost $192,000.

Donations for the 2023 Target Hunger campaign being unloaded, June 10, 2023. (Photo: Target Hunger)

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Organizers noted on Monday, June 12 that donations were still flowing in.

Mac Nichol, executive director with the Lethbridge Food Bank said, “We’re thankful for everyone who participated by putting a bag out on their doorstep and are equally grateful to the community volunteers for organizing the event and recruiting the people and resources necessary to complete all of the work on our behalf.”

Nichol added, “We couldn’t pull off a food drive of this size without the support of the community and the hundreds of volunteers that pitched in to help.”

Community members are encouraged to fill out a Target Hunger 2023 survey to share feedback on their experience during the campaign.

Donations for the 2023 Target Hunger campaign, June 10, 2023. (Photo: Target Hunger)

Danielle McIntyre, executive director with Interfaith Food Bank said organizers were unsure of the response they would get thew this year’s campaign.

She noted, “For some families, the cost of groceries is just too high to be able to support others right now, while others may have the capacity to step up to help a little more when times are tough. The sheer volume of what was collected from the community this Saturday was wonderful!”

Organizers also shared their gratitude for the work done by the following:

• The Target Hunger Planning Committee, which comprised of representatives from both food banks, as well as community members
• Student interns Yamin Raza, Trinity Deak, Andy Dyck, and Prince Chaudhary. The students oversaw route maps, helped to coordinate volunteers, maintained the online sign-up tool and helped to promote the event.
• The grocery stores, public libraries, and Cornerstone Funeral Home, which acted as alternate donation drop off locations
• The “hundreds of volunteers” who helped with bag delivery and pickup, sorted donations at the collection sites, and hosted community events to support Target Hunger
• The “thousands of community members” who contributed food and financial donations to help people in need in Lethbridge and the surrounding area

Donations are still being accepted.

Organizers are reminding residents that if their bag was missed during the pickup process, they can still be dropped off at either food bank in Lethbridge or at any alternate drop off site.

A list of alternate drop off locations for the 2023 Target Hunger campaign. (Photo: Target Hunger)

More information on contributing is available at the Target Hunger website.

READ MORE: Target Hunger campaign returning this weekend

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