The Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus parade has helped to collect non perishable food items for Food Depot Alimentaire, but this year, they are trying something new.
The Tim Horton’s float leads the parade each year, as a part of a food drive, benefiting food banks, kitchens and shelters in the region.
Executive Director for Food Depot Alimentaire Chantal Senecal says cereal is one of the most sought after items at food banks, so Santa’s helpers will be canvassing both sides of the parade route for donations of loose change, “They are going to something called the breakfast bucket. So, anyone who has spare change who can make a donation to that, we will specifically take the funds and purchase cereal for food banks this year.”
Senecal says school breakfast programs have popped up everywhere in the past couple of years to ensure kids are not learning on an empty stomach.
She says it is critical that they are able to provide cereal to families in need, “Cereal is important for the kids whose parents are using food banks because they can easily make a breakfast with cereal, or if they are hungry, they can grab it themselves,” Senecal says.
Recently released data by Food Banks Canada from the 2019 national “Hunger Count” shows that children under the age of 18 make up 19% of the population but represent 34% of those accessing food banks.
“Cereal is one of the things we don’t often get donated to us. I think it is just because it is a little bulkier and so when people think food drive they bring canned goods for the most part,” Senecal says.
Senecal adds, because the non perishable donations are such a tradition at the parade, Santa’s helpers will also be scanning the crowds if you have food to donate as well.
