By: Christian Collington, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca
Residents visiting the Halton Hills Public Library are being asked to bring more than just library cards.
Until March 22, the Acton (17 River St.) and Georgetown (9 Church St.) branches will be accepting food donations to support the Acton Foodshare and the Georgetown Bread Basket.
Andrea Arsenault, the library’s community engagement librarian, noted that “donation levels typically decline during the late winter months, even though the need for food support remains high.”
She added that “by serving as an additional collection hub, the library can help bridge that gap.”
Arsenault explained that the food drive is a part of a broader effort by the library to redefine what it means to be a “community hub” as both branches also maintain emergency food shelves on-site, which are stocked in partnership with local food banks for those in immediate need.
“Hosting a food drive reinforces the library’s role as a central, caring presence in the community,” Arsenault said.
She added that “by supporting local food banks, the library demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of residents and its dedication to meeting community needs beyond traditional library services.”
To ensure the drive provides the most effective support, the library is asking for specific items tailored to the current inventories of each food bank.
According to Arsenault, the items, listed on the library’s website, “were provided by the food bank themselves” to reflect their most urgent needs.
The Acton branch is seeking:
- Canned meat and vegetables
- Canned pasta (with and without meat)
- Peanut butter and sidekicks, such as rice or pasta
- Hot chocolate and coffee
- Condiments such as ketchup, BBQ sauce and salad dressing
While the Georgetown branch is asking for:
- Salt
- Canned tomatoes
- Canned fruit, fruit cups and applesauce
- Sidekicks or Rice-a-Roni
- Pudding cups and snacks
Beyond the immediate goal of filling pantry shelves, Arsenault said, the library views this drive as a way to bring “people together to support one another and build a more resilient community.”
More information on requested items can be found on the Georgetown Bread Basket’s website and the Acton Foodshare’s website.
Discover more from The Milton Reporter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
