In an annual tradition enjoyed and appreciated by everyone involved, the local agricultural community joined forces with two food banks Feb. 10 to celebrate Agriculture Day.
It’s a day where members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture come together to showcase the diverse goods grown and produced in Chatham-Kent, and donations are made to Outreach for Hunger and the Salvation Army food banks.
All proceeds – be they ground beef purchased from cash donations, fresh fruit and vegetables, or canned and packaged products – are split evenly between the food banks.
Brenda LeClair executive director of Outreach for Hunger, said the effort is hugely valued.
“We appreciate everyone’s efforts in promoting food security in Chatham-Kent and in supporting Outreach for Hunger so that we can do our job and get families fed,” she said.
LeClair said the need remains strong, and expects it to only grow.
“In January, we saw huge numbers. I think we’re maintaining at where we were, which was at a substantial increase last year,” she said. “But I think we’re going to continue to see that (need) grow. People are struggling so much.
“We have a lot more families coming in who are working part-time, minimum-wage job still not able to make ends meet by the time they pay utilities and housing.”
Jim Brackett, president of the KFA, said he believes about one-in-five C-K residents have food insecurity issues.
“We’re trying to do our part,” he said of KFA members donating to local food banks.
Brackett said local producers are quick to help out.
“It’s not hard to get people to donate.”
LeClair said Ag Day also serves to raise awareness in multiple ways.
“It’s important that we continue to put the word out there, not only about need, but where the food is coming from,” she said. “I come from an agricultural background. I know the importance of making the community aware. This is promoting the food banks, letting people know what our needs are, but also letting people know this is how you get your food in the first place. Without agriculture, we wouldn’t have a food bank; we wouldn’t have a grocery store.”
Chatham-Kent is home to more than 630,000 acres of farmland, in excess of 2,400 farms in operation, and more than 20 million square feet of greenhouses.
We’re home to 70-plus different crops. That diversity and the quality of products produced means C-K agriculture is a $4-billion economic driver for the municipality.
Each year, LeClair said there are new items included in the donations to the food banks on Ag Day.
“It’s exciting to see new products hitting the shelves and finding out it’s locally produced. It means we’re very creative here in Chatham-Kent,” she said.
The fresh fruit and vegetables is especially sought after, LeClair said.
“We’re always thrilled to get them and so are our clients. A lot of times they can’t afford to buy it at the grocery store. When we’re able to offer that to them, that’s a real treat, especially for the kids to get a nice apple for their lunch,” she said.
