Upper Room Food Bank busy as school year approaches

As the school year quickly approaches, the Upper Room Food Bank is holding a food drive this week to help families in need.

"You know, it is an expensive time of the year, and it's almost the 1st of September ...our business certainly picks up,"said Mike MacDonald, executive director of the food bank.

"It is expensive for families and, because of that, many of them turn to us for help."

Cereal, school lunches

The biggest need for families is cereal products, MacDonald said. As well, the food bank is looking for donations for children's school lunches.

The food bank also distributes gift cards provided by the United Way so families can go to a Staples store and purchase school supplies. Last year, the food bank distributed 140 gift cards valued at $40 each, he said.

Gift cards

MacDonald said a gift card gives families a choice rather than having school supplies donated directly, especially in cases when families have already bought some of the school supplies they need.

"It is a valued service. Theclients look forward to it and they certainly do appreciate it," he said.

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