Food Bank pleads for Calgarians to 'grow a row' to ease shortfall

The Calgary Food Bank is asking for help to fill the 5,000 hampers it distributes each month, after its two main sources temporarily dried up this season.

"Two of our major community gardens are going through some rehauling, so we are hoping that Calgarians can grow a row for their neighbours in need this year," spokesperson Shawna Ogston told the Calgary Eyeopener on Wednesday.

Garden of Eat'n and Power Gardens are the top sources of vegetables for the food bank, which collects about 50,000 pounds each year for the hampers. But both gardens are being moved and rejuvenated this year, creating a shortfall.

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"Root vegetables, things like carrots, turnips, beets and potatoes," Ogston says of what's needed.

"If you are growing a row for yourself or your family, why not grow another row for another family in need?"

Ogston said the need for hampers continues.

"Our demand hasn't gone down since we started in 1982. So we know that every year there is going to be an increased demand, and planning for that is part of what these gardens are doing," she said.

"We are so optimistic. We are always gobsmacked at how Calgarians come through for us."

Donations can be made at door No. 3 or the administration doors at 5000 11th Street S.E.

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