OIMP will provide donation based on social media campaign results
By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter
Farms.com
The Ontario Independent Meat Processors (OIMP) wants to Share the Love this holiday season by donating a minimum of $250 worth of meat and poultry products to three Ontario foodbanks.
The three foodbanks that receive the most votes on Facebook will select an OIMP member from which they would like to receive the donation.
On its Facebook page, the OIMP lists the eligible foodbanks that people can vote for.
As the association wants to ensure that numerous communities are helped over the year, foodbanks that have ever previously won OIMP campaigns are not included on the voting list.
The voting process is open until Dec. 11 but votes are already rolling in:
INN OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, Sarnia – 71 votes
SMITHS FALLS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK – 42 votes
GANANOQUE & DISTRICT FOOD BANK – 25 votes
NORTH BAY FOOD BANK, North Bay – 20 votes
GOLDEN TOWN OUTREACH, Meaford – 11 votes
While voting in the Share the Love campaign only takes a moment, you can also help your local foodbank in other ways.
For example, you can donate money to the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB). This association can provide three meals to someone in need for every dollar donated, according to its website.
People can also donate food directly to their local foodbanks.
"Meat protein is always in need as this is often more difficult for people to donate," said Myles Vanni, executive director at the Inn of the Good Shepherd, a foodbank in Sarnia. People “can put it in the food drive bag or in the barrel at the grocery store."
Donations of fresh vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat, cereal and kids' lunch items are also appreciated.
Foodbanks are also in need of hygiene items, such as shampoo, soaps, toilet paper, feminine products and toothpaste, said Vanni.
"These are often some of the most expensive items, so people tend to do without."
Individuals can also help out their local foodbank by donating their time. Communities may consider organizing a neighbourhood food drive, sorting food at the foodbank or helping out with foodbank fundraisers, he said.
“The majority of families being helped are working and struggling to make ends meet,” said Vanni. “Christmas time puts a lot of extra pressure on the parents — even a donation of a toy or stuffed animal helps that parent put a smile on their child’s face!”