Lanark County Food Bank Manager Tammy Parent
Twenty years of helping neighbours in need, and the tradition is showing no signs of slowing down.
The RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food campaign celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, with the first food blitz taking place Saturday, November 7, in Carleton Place and Almonte.
The opening stop supports the Lanark County Food Bank, also known as The Hunger Stop, where manager Tammy Parent has some encouraging news.
While food banks elsewhere continue reporting growing demand, Parent says local numbers have levelled off.
That doesn’t mean the need has disappeared.
Parent says working families, retirees and people from all walks of life continue struggling with everyday expenses. However, food donations have increased compared with 2025.
This weekend also marks a special milestone for a campaign that’s become a local tradition.
The food bank has participated since the campaign’s second year, relying on community generosity and an army of volunteers.
This year, there’s another reason to celebrate.
The organization has moved into a permanent home on Industrial Avenue, removing years of uncertainty about its future.
Parent says owning the building means improvements are long-term investments, rather than money spent on a temporary location.
Donations will be collected Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer in Almonte, and Anderson’s Your Independent Grocer, FreshCo and Giant Tiger in Carleton Place.
The campaign continues through December 12, supporting food banks in 11 communities.
Listen to the full interview with Tammy below.
