Local farmers are celebrating agriculture in Canada by supporting those in need in Chatham-Kent.
The Kent Federation of Agriculture (KFA) held its annual food drive at the Salvation Army Church in Chatham on Tuesday, in honour of Canada’s Agriculture Day.
Farmers, food producers, and local residents dropped off food and cash throughout the morning, which will be split between Chatham Outreach for Hunger and The Salvation Army.
Brenda LeClair, the executive director of Chatham Outreach for Hunger, said one in five people in Chatham-Kent are experiencing food insecurity.
“The donations we receive from this event will go a long way to providing nutritional, healthy meals for people who are struggling and are coming to us on a regular basis,” she said.
KFA President Jim Brackett said it’s important to try to give back to the community, especially those who are experiencing food insecurity.
“We are the largest economic driver in Chatham-Kent, and like any private individual, we feel obligated to try and help the needy. This is one of the ways we do that,” he said.
Chatham-Kent is home to a $4-billion agriculture and agri-food industry, responsible for more than 16,000 jobs.
