Donations are still being accepted as Sarnia's Salvation Army prepares to distribute lunch bags and snacks to support low-income families during back-to-school season.
Manager of Community and Family Services Krystal Thomson said the Lunch Bag Program began in 2018.
"We used to do a backpack program but we noticed that other agencies in town were also doing backpack programs so instead of duplicating services, we looked for a gap and no one was doing lunch pails at that time so we thought, why don't we fill that gap?"
Thomson said in previous years, the program has distributed between 200 and 250 kits, which will include a lunch bag and a large freezer bag with enough snacks and juice boxes to last the first week of school.
The kits will be distributed on Wednesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 28, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., while supplies last.
"We always run out of supplies so the need is there," said Thompson.
She also said it's tough to gauge how many children rely on this program, as it depends on how much is donated.
Lambton County residents attending the distribution event are asked to bring proof of income and identification for each child, between Junior Kindergarten and Grade 12.
Those unable to attend the distribution event can contact the Salvation Army's Community and Family Services or utilize the organization's food bank.
Thomson said the number of people attending the food bank tends to fluctuate. They usually see an increase in demand around Christmas and in the summer.
"Schools often have a lot of nutrition programs that families can access so with school being out during the summertime, we do see families coming to visit our food banks more frequently," she said.
Thomson said roughly 200 to 300 families attend the food bank every month and hot meals are served to approximately 250 to 300 people in total through the Salvation Army's outreach program.
In the meantime, donations for the Lunch Bag program and food bank can be dropped off at the Salvation Army's Confederation Street office Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Most needed items include lunch bags, water bottles, juice boxes and peanut-free school snacks.
Thomson asked that donations not be dropped off at their Confederation Street site on Wednesday, August 20, as staff will be running a fundraising barbecue at the Real Canadian Superstore in Sarnia from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Canned goods will be accepted during the fundraiser.
Patrons can enjoy a hamburger, chips, and a drink for $6 or a hot dog, chips, and a drink for $5. Proceeds will support the Salvation Army Food Bank.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves