Summer is traditionally a time for most people to kick back and relax.  That tradition is, unfortunately, a bad thing if you're trying to keep an organization like the Airdrie Food Bank going.  

Karen Kadatz, General Manager of the Food Bank says summer is generally a slower time for them.  Sometimes, it's all they can do to keep their doors open.

"Although we have a lot of donations around Christmas they don't last the whole year round.   We really find that in the summer we are really in need of funding just to keep our doors open and not just for food as well."

By that, Kadatz means they're also looking for cash donations as well as food to be given out in their hampers.

"Financial donations also help us keep our trucks on the road and pick up food from growers and manufacturers and do all of the food recovery and reclamation that we do.  We're doing more of that all the time."

Summer is a good time for the food bank on one front.  The amount of fresh produce they receive increases which helps them with their goal of providing more of that type of food in their hampers, according to Kadatz.

"We try to put as much fresh food in as possible.  We're really inviting all Airdrie or area residents to share any produce that they have that they'd like to pass on to their neighbours who are coming to us for hampers.   We really appreciate that.  Produce as we know is very expensive.  Things like potatoes, onions and beets are very welcome and part of our staples in our hampers."

Kadatz says many farmers and producers share their harvest with the food bank or grow a row or a plot to help them out.

The Airdrie Food Bank will be hosting their 12th Annual Empty Bowls Festival on September 22nd.  The day includes local musicians, artists, children's activities a silent auction and a free soup lunch provided by local restaurants.  Handmade pottery bowls will also be available for purchase.  All proceeds raised go to support the food bank.  

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