It’s the time of year when people are giving to help those who are less fortunate.

The Regina Food Bank is starting up their annual Food Drive, and they’re looking for citizens to help contribute to their initiative. Beginning on October 12, the food bank will be dropping off paper bags on doorsteps throughout the city.

People are encouraged to fill those bags with non-perishable food items and to leave their bags on their front doorsteps for pickup by youth groups and volunteer organizations on October 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The food drive comes at a crucial time since demand for food is starting to rise in the city.

Regina Food Bank CEO John Bailey said their food storage is starting to get low. Generally the food bank has a demand of 250 requests for service per day. But in September and October, they usually get around 300 requests.

“We’re just having a busier than average September, so we’re not sure if it’s going to carry through, plateau and then hit normal or if it’s going to result in an increase in October,” said Bailey. “Usually a busy September means a busy October.

The goal for this year’s food drive is to collect over 375 tons of food. According to Bailey, the most wanted items are dry pastas, dry pasta sauces, canned proteins and prepared canned items like stews and soups.

While they are looking for non-perishable food, Bailey said another important option is monetary donations.

“Because of our buying power, $1 will get five meals, which is amazing,” he explained. “For the month of October with Mosaic offering their $50,000 match, we can turn $1 into 10 meals. So that’s incredibly important for us, too.”

Food bank CEO John Bailey. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)

There’s also the Virtual Food Drive sponsored by Sherwood Co-op which can be accessed on the food bank’s website. People can make donations by purchasing food items that are added to their final total of food collected.

When asked if there’s ever a concern about bags being stolen by thieves before getting picked up by volunteers on the 19th, Bailey replied by saying it’s not ideal, but he’s not worried.

“We’d rather people didn’t take stuff, let us collect then come through so we can monitor and make sure everything gets out. Ultimately, if you’re in a life circumstance that requires that, then it’s a fact of life and at least it’s in the hands of someone who needs it.”

Participants also have the option of dropping off food directly at the food bank or at Access Communications until October 20.