
Members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture (KFA) have Feb. 11 circled on their calendars, but add it is only one day in the calendar year.
That date is Canada’s Agricultural Day, a day where farmers and other food producers are to be recognized for their efforts in ensuring the nation has food security.
But for the KFA, it’s also a day of giving back.
Brad Snobelen, co-chair of the Ag Day committee within the KFA, said the organization will be presenting Outreach for Hunger and the Salvation Army food banks with local produce and meat, a tradition they’ve been doing for two decades.
The goal is to assist local families that are experiencing food shortages and hardships.
“We have a lot of social issues going on right now,” Snobelen said. “With the homelessness in Chatham, with people struggling, demand on food banks is larger than it’s been in some time.”
Helping feed those in need is an effort in which the KFA is proud to be involved.
“It’s an important thing to do. If we can help out as agricultural leaders, we want to do it,” Snobelen said.
The KFA membership is quick to support the endeavor, he added.
“It’s never been a problem. We put out the ask and the community supports us with open arms,” he said. “It’s unbelievable what they do.”
With more than 70 different crops grown in Chatham-Kent, the options are diverse.
As diverse as the options are, delivery for the food banks is even more widespread.
“The big thing is it is not just this one day. This is a day we go and solicit donations. But our donations go on throughout the year,” Snobelen said.
Included in that is the purchase and delivery of ground beef, he added.
“We divide the ground beef between the two food banks. But we don’t want to swamp them with just one huge shot, so we divide it up throughout the year,” Snobelen said. “We’ve talked to them throughout the years and improved our donations to make it count as much as we can. Knowing they have a supply when things run low, it really helps.”
It also leaves plenty of room for other individuals and organizations to support the food banks throughout the year as well.
Snobelen said there is still time to join the support effort, which takes place at the Salvation Army Church on Orangewood Boulevard in Chatham on Feb. 11. Anyone wishing to donate food or funds to the food banks can reach out to the KFA at [email protected].
“If they want to make an in-person donation, we’ll be there at the Salvation Army Church between 9 a.m. and about noon,” he said.
Representatives from Chatham-Kent’s economic development department will also be on hand, with a display of local food.