Turkey Farmers of Canada donate to food banks

Oct. 1, 2012, Ottawa, ON – In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux are once again encouraging Canadians to generously donate to their local food banks. PS Lemieux joined Turkey Farmers of Canada Chair Mark Davies at the Ottawa Food Bank. Mr. Davies was on hand to present a $50,000 donation to Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada.

“As Canadians, we should be thankful for the high-quality products produced by our turkey farmers and processors,” said PS Lemieux. “By giving a helping hand to our rural food banks, together we can ensure that more families across Canada can celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy delicious Canadian turkey.”

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Turkey Farmers of Canada has partnered with Food Banks Canada to raise money for rural food banks. The Turkey Farmers of Canada donation will be distributed to rural food banks all
across Canada and used to purchase whole turkeys or turkey products to distribute to their clients in need.

“Turkey Farmers of Canada is proud to partner with Food Banks Canada for a fourth year,” said Mr. Davies. “We are fortunate to be able to support many rural food banks throughout Canada in their ongoing endeavour to provide turkeys to Canadian families again this Thanksgiving.”

The Turkey Farmers of Canada is a national organization that has served as the voice of Canada’s registered turkey farmers for over 36 years.

“We are honoured and grateful for the ongoing support of Turkey Farmers of Canada and its members who have provided the opportunity for rural food banks to share turkeys in communities across the country at Thanksgiving,” said Ms. Schmidt. “Being able to help families in need keep this Canadian tradition will make a real difference to thousands of families.”

Food Banks Canada is a national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. The group depends on financial and gifts-in-kind support to reduce hunger in Canada by feeding people across the country.