This is Mental Health Week which is an annual awareness campaign focused on promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to talk openly about mental health.
Next week is Learning and Leading through Kindness week which builds on broader kindness initiatives that emphasize empathy, respect, and inclusion as core values for healthy communities
With both those themes in mind, a food drive is on now until Wednesday, May 13 at Tamarac Education Centre in Port Hawkesbury. Students are asked to bring items to school to donate if they are in a position to do so.
Below are some ideas for items that are needed:
Non-Perishable Food Items
- Canned vegetables (corn, peas, beans)
- Canned fruit (in juice, not syrup preferred)
- Canned meat (tuna, chicken, ham, salmon)
- Canned soups and stews
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Rice (white or brown)
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Dry beans and lentils
- Peanut butter and other nut/seed butters
- Cereal (low sugar preferred)
- Oatmeal
- Crackers and granola bars
- Shelf-stable milk (powdered or boxed)
- Cooking oils (olive, canola, vegetable)
- Flour and sugar
Hygiene & Personal Care Items
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and soap
- Deodorant
- Toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons)
- Diapers (all sizes) and baby wipes
- Shaving supplies (razors, shaving cream)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion and lip balm
Baby & Child Essentials
- Baby formula (unopened)
- Baby food (jars or pouches)
- Diapers and wipes
- Kids’ snacks (nut-free if possible)
Other Helpful Items
- Coffee and tea
- Juice boxes or drink mixes
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo)
- Spices and seasonings
- Snacks (cookies, chips, dried fruit)
- Reusable grocery bags
🚫 What to Avoid Donating
- Expired food
- Opened or partially used products
- Homemade items (unless specifically accepted)
- Perishables (unless the food bank says they accept them)
