As a growing number of York Region residents turn to local food banks, the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) invites you to lend a helping hand by donating to its third annual Nurturing Hope Spring Food Drive.
Bins will be located at the front doors of participating elementary schools on designated days, allowing parents, students, staff and members of the community to donate non-perishable food items and personal care essentials.
“As a Catholic faith community, we find grace in serving where there is need,” says YCDSB Chair Elizabeth Crowe. “Now more than ever, our neighbours across York Region are facing uncertainty about the future on so many levels. Our board is proud to be reaching out once again with the Nurturing Hope initiative and commends staff, students and families for their remarkable work and generosity.”
Between April 2020 and March 2021, nearly 600,000 people accessed a local food bank in York Region, representing a 10 to 12 per cent increase over the previous year, the Board reports. Items collected in the Nurturing Hope food drive will benefit nine food banks and pantries across the region, including the Markham Food Bank and the Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank.
The Nurturing Hope food drive runs from March 29 through April 8. You can donate items between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. View the Collection Day Calendar here. The board will share reminders and event updates through school social networks and @YCDSB.
