The Bluewater Area's 20th annual Hike for Hunger comes at a good time as the Inn of the Good Shepherd is in serious need of restocking the food bank's shelves.
Inn Executive Director Jack Christine said food donations typically drop during this time of year.
"We are currently having to sort of cap our numbers at the moment and turn people away, primarily because we don't have enough items to put on the shelf," he said.
The Inn supports approximately 1,050 households per month through the food bank.
As part of its annual Hike for Hunger initiative, Scouts Canada troops will meet at Tecumseh Park on Saturday, February 21, and will hike to the Inn on John Street, collecting non-perishable food items from residents along the way.
"Also, some of the groups have collected food previously so they'll bring along some items beforehand as well," Christine said.
As of Thursday, Christine said 130 participants (Scouts, Beavers and Cubs) have been confirmed for Saturday's food drive, with the possibility of adding a few more on Friday.
The hike will begin at 11 a.m.
Christine said they're hoping to collect over 6,000 pounds of food this year.
Last year, over 5,000 lbs were collected, and in 2024, the Inn received 7,500 lbs of food.
In total, over 72 lbs of food have been collected since Hike for Hunger launched.
He said the Inn always accepts food donations, alternatively financial contributions can be made online, more volunteers are also needed.
