THE Surrey Food Bank is partnering in the community to collect food and donations during Vaisakhi Week.  RBC branches are helping the community by opening their doors to allow donations of non-perishable food items to be dropped off at any of their branches. Food donations can also be dropped off at any of the five RBC tent locations along the route of the Vaisakhi parade.

The Surrey Food Bank truck and volunteers will be trailing the Vaisakhi parade at the end to collect any items (non-perishable food) and donations vendors may want to give.

As non-profit charitable organizations, the food banks operate solely on donations of money and food from individuals, organizations and corporations as well as various fundraising events.

In spring, food banks’ stocks begin to deplete and unfortunately, by summertime, food stocks are at their lowest point.

From now until Sunday, April 19, people are also encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items any Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley RBC branch during business hours. All food donated at each branch helps those directly in the local community.

The Surrey Nagar Kirtan takes place on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to the food banks, some of the most needed items (in original packaging and sealed) include:

* infant formula

* peanut butter

* canned vegetables / fruit / tomato sauce

* pasta and rice

* cereal and oatmeal

* canned or dry soup

* dried beans and lentils

* Baby foods: cereals, food jar

For further information, contact Kuldip K. Ardawa, Community Partnerships Manager, at 604-209-1211 or 604-581-5443, ext.104.