Businesses will collect food donations throughout November in a challenge to help the Summerland Food Bank.
Colin Powell, director of fundraising and director of public relations for the Food Bank, said the food donations will help meet the increased demand in December.
Between 150 and 175 food hampers will be distributed to individuals and families in the community on Dec. 15.
“There’s a need for this support,” he said.
Throughout the challenge, participating businesses will collect non-perishable food donations.
At the end of the month, the donations will be weighed and the business which has collected the most will receive a $500 gift card from Summerland IGA.
“It’s a good morale boost for the businesses,” Powell said of the challenge.
“It’s very rewarding for local businesses to give back to the community.”
The challenge is also a way to raise awareness of the need at the Summerland Food Bank.
The demand at the Food Bank has been increasing and each year the need is greatest before the December holiday season.
In addition to the business challenge, the Food Bank will also have a challenge to the community during the Festival of Lights in late November.