Officials at the London Food Bank say they’re expecting recession-like demand during this year’s Spring Food Drive.
The 38th annual event was launched Thursday.
Co-Director Glen Pearson said the trade war with the U.S. has many anxious about their future employment.
“It’s all about the unknown, that’s true everywhere in the economy. But people need to know that food banks were in real trouble for the last three years. Now that tariffs are coming it’s going to be really hard. Now we’ve been okay in London, but a lot of other food banks are already rationing. If the premier is right, and 500-thousand people are going to be unemployed, a lot of those people will end up here,” explained Pearson.
The food drive will continue as a hybrid drive, accepting both food and monetary donations.
Last year’s Spring Drive received the equivalent of more than 81,000 pounds of food. Half of this year’s donations will go to other food banks and agencies within the region, and half goes directly to local clients.
“This is a tough time for so many people. Food prices are going up. So, from our perspective, whatever anybody can give makes a difference, because we know everybody is feeling it right now,” said Co-Director Jane Roy.
Donations can be made at local grocery stores or online.
