Fare Share's baby food supply low ahead of Easter drive by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 23 | Thursday, March 19, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com With the start of Fare Share's Easter food drive on the horizon, the local food bank says it's concerned with its supplies making it to October. "We are always concerned about making it through until the Thanksgiving food drive, but even more concerned at this time because of the low supply of baby food," said Nancy Bromberg, Fare Share volunteer president. "(The Easter food drive) is the food bank's last chance to stock their shelves until Thanksgiving, which is six long months away." The upcoming Easter food drive runs from Sat., March 21 through to Sat., April 4. In addition to baby food (both small and junior jars of fruits and vegetables), Fare Share is in short supply of the following items: · Canned salmon, pasta, peas, ham (large oval tins) and luncheon meats · Strawberry jam (not homemade or preserves) · Powdered laundry soap · Soda crackers (four sleeves) · Ketchup (one litre and 750 mL bottles) · Instant coffee · Side dishes (rice/pasta/potato) · Cookies/desserts · Cake mixes/icing and cheese. Food can be dropped off at Fare Share collection bins located in all Oakville grocery stores, at all Oakville Fire Stations and at the 1240 Speers Rd., unit No. 6, food bank. Monetary donations are also accepted as they are vital to the food bank's existence, according to Fare Share organizers. Donations are used to buy perishable food items, such as chicken, ground beef, ham, fish, cheese and fresh and frozen vegetables and fruit. Items such as apples, oranges, bananas, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions are now a regular staple of the food bank along with the non-perishables collected in food drives. Vouchers As well, a large portion of the money pays for vouchers provided to families with children to use at local supermarkets for items such as milk and eggs. Fare Share is a registered charity and can issue tax receipts for donations. The food bank is open to its clients on Mondays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. All clients are initially interviewed to ensure they qualify and then regularly to determine if their circumstances have changed. For more information, visit www. oakvillefoodbank.com or call 905-847-3988. This year, the low supply of baby food has organizers concerned for the upcoming food drive, which runs from March 21-April 4. Sani Croteau, left, and Rose Botham pose with other items also needed, including salmon, pudding and laundry soap. | photo by Eric Riehl Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) · Tuna and hamburger helpers · Kids' snacks (granola bars and small boxes of raisins) www.edwardjones.com Bromberg says the food bank currently has a sufficient supply of protein beans; dry spaghetti pasta; canned corn; and macaroni Looking for direction in a volatile market? Let's talk. Marc Nutford - Financial Advisor 2387 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 6K7, 905-844-4043 marc.nutford@edwardjones.com · www.edwardjones.com Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund $ 100 Off Spray Tans - $25 voTed #1 Salon www.TanWild.com Offer expires March 31st, 2015. Must bring in this ad. A pair of Prescription Glasses or Sunglasses 511 Maple Grove Drive, Oakville · 905.338.2700 # 92 Dunn Street Downtown oakville lebeauoptical@gmail.com www. lebeauoptical.com 905-845-3621