Cochrane Food Bank recognizes National Food Bank Day

The Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge lit up orange and green on Sept. 4 as the Cochrane Food Bank Society recognized National Food Bank Day and raised awareness of food insecurity. The Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge lit up orange and green on Sept. 4 as the Cochrane Food Bank Society joined food banks across Canada in recognizing National Food Bank Day. The local society marked the day to raise awareness of food insecurity and recognize the role food banks and their volunteers play in supporting their communities. 'Food banks do more than put food on tables,' the society posted on Facebook. 'They bring people together, strengthen local networks, and help build communities where everyone can feel supported.' Kathy Tucker, president of the Cochrane Food Bank Society, said this was the first time the local organization had commemorated the day. 'One of our initiatives [is] to make our community aware of occasions like this that are happening through food banks across the country,' she said. As members of Food Banks Canada, Tucker said the society also wanted to raise awareness of hunger and recognize the work done by local food banks and their volunteers. What better way to mark the awareness day than by adding some local flair and lighting up one of Cochrane's most recognizable landmarks? 'Orange and green are Food Banks Canada colours,' Tucker said. The lighting also marked the end of summer for the society as it prepares to ramp up its fall operations, beginning with the East Cochrane Food Drive on Sept. 19. 'That's one of our biggest fall programs,' said Tucker. 'The east side of Highway 22 is always a bigger one because you've got the bigger subdivisions on that side.' The combined East and West Cochrane food drives have continued to be some of the biggest contributors of resources to the local food bank. Tucker said the society remains grateful for the community's continued support. 'Our community is one of the most generous communities I've ever seen around,' she said. 'People are always such great supporters of us and our initiatives, and we're really fortunate that we can rely on them to help us feed those in need.' As the Cochrane Food Bank works to raise awareness of food insecurity and the role food banks play in addressing it, National Food Bank Day also provides an opportunity for the community to get involved — whether through donations, volunteering or helping spread awareness. 'Because food banks are more than food,' the Cochrane Food Bank posted. 'They're a community in action.' See related article: Cochrane Food Bank gears up for another year of support