Cornwall, Ontario – There is nothing like enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with fresh local vegetables.  Sadly, because of record rain and cooler temperatures, crops were not as bountiful as usual resulting in a slight decrease in fresh food items donated to the Agapè Centre’s food bank and soup kitchen.

As a result, the Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers’ Market, the Kinsmen Club of Cornwall and the Agapè Centre have partnered to host a “Share the Harvest Fresh Food Drive” to fill the Agapè Centre’s shelves with fresh produce in time for Thanksgiving.

The “Share the Harvest Fresh Food Drive” will take place on Sunday, October 1^st from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers’ Market.  The Agapè Centre will have a booth and will be accepting your donated fresh produce purchased from the local farmers.  All produce will be used in the soup kitchen and to stock the shelves in the food bank so that a variety of produce can be enjoyed by everyone this Thanksgiving.

If you have a garden and want to share any extra produce, you can also bring it to the Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers’ Market and drop it off at the Agapè Centre’s booth.  Non-perishable items are also welcome. Soup and peanut butter are some of the items most in demand right now.

Diana Freeman, Market Manager states “as a farmer, I know firsthand how rough this year was to grow produce. Not only are you sharing local produce so everyone can enjoy fresh local vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner but you are also supporting your local farmers.”  Diane Plourde, Executive Director of the Agapè Centre agrees stating “it is great to offer a variety of produce in our soup kitchen and food bank other than our staple items. We are very fortunate to have so many local farmers who are willing to partner with us to ensure that our clients also get the opportunity to enjoy a fresh harvest meal.”

Also, don’t forget to bring your appetite.  The Cornwall Kinsmen Club will be serving hot chili at the Market using Seaway Soups’ chili base and fresh ingredients from the local farmers.  All proceeds will be donated to the Agapè Centre.  John Racine, Cornwall Kinsmen Club Vice-President, states “our Kin motto is ‘serving the community’s greatest needs’.  This is a great way to support our farmers and local food bank as we approach Thanksgiving weekend.”