Valerie Engelhart stands in the empty store room at the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank they hope to fill
Smiths Falls food bank prepares for massive Build a Mountain of Food stop as demand soars
The annual RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food rolls into Smiths Falls this Saturday, and volunteers say it arrives at a critical time for the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank.
Volunteer Valerie Engelhardt says the event is one of the most joyful days of the year, and busiest.
But behind the fun is a serious need among those in the community who need help.
That includes 350 children and several infants under six months who require diapers and formula.
The food bank depends on about 35 volunteers, with five to seven needed per shift for sorting, stocking and serving clients.
Engelhardt says new clients are often nervous, but volunteers make the experience warm, gentle and welcoming.
She says Saturday’s Build a Mountain of Food stop will bring in much-needed donations to support the growing community need.
Here’s the schedule for Saturday’s stop:
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer, Food Basics, The Garden Market, and Giant Tiger.
Learn more about the Build a Mountain campaign and the food banks it serves here: