Foodbanks across southwestern Ontario are getting a little bit of extra help this holiday season, thanks to a Chatham-based farmer co-op.
AGRIS Co-operative is donating $15,000 to Harvest Hands, a food distribution centre in the region that takes in surplus food from retailers, bakers, and growers and works with local food banks.
“We unanimously wanted to continue giving back to the communities where we farm, work, and raise our families," said AGRIS Ownership Committee Chair Jim Anderson. "This year again, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew people are still having a tough time feeding their families, and we wanted to continue to help.”
Despite it still being a pandemic, Anderson said the company has had another good year.
"The efforts of our staff and customers to remain safe on the farm and at home is certainly another reason to be thankful and to give back," AGRIS General Manager Jim Campbell said in the release.
Founder of Harvest Hands, who was raised in Essex County, said the donation will help supply and distribute food to those who are not able to purchase food for themselves.
"What farmers do every day to help contribute to the act of feeding people around the globe will come back to you ten-fold knowing hungry people will be able to fill their bellies and lessen their burden during these difficult times," said Harvest Hands Founder Jim Collins.
