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METRO FALL HARVEST FOOD DRIVE LAUNCHES ACROSS ONTARIO

Toronto, ON (October 7th) – Metro Ontario Inc. and the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) launched the Metro Fall Harvest Food Drive today at selected Metro stores across the province.  Running from October 7th until October 23rd, the food drive invites Metro shoppers to make food donations in support of their local food bank.  The campaign features a blitz weekend from Friday, October 9th to Sunday, October 11th, with volunteers distributing food drive bags at the front doors of selected Metro locations.

“We are delighted to partner with Metro on the Fall Harvest Food Drive,” Adam Spence, Executive Director of the OAFB.  “As more neighbours turn to us for support, we need your help to fill our shelves this fall.”

Food banks across the province are projecting an increased need over the coming months which will add to an already significant demand; over 350,000 Ontarians are forced to turn to food banks each month.  Since last year, the number of Ontarians turning to food banks has increased by 20 per cent.

“Although there are headlines reporting an economic recovery, the situation is very different for many families and for food banks on the front line,” said Spence.  “We’ve seen significant growth in demand.  Metro knows this and has committed to help.”

The Metro Fall Harvest Food Drive comes as food banks are re-stocking their shelves after a tough summer with limited food supplies.  Community food banks rely heavily on the success of the fall food drive, as it provides them with a significant source of food during their busiest time of year.

“We are happy to partner with the Ontario Association of Food Banks to bring communities together around our Fall Harvest Food Drive,” said Gillian Kerr, Senior Director, Marketing, Metro Ontario Inc. “This is Metro’s response to the growing need across the province.”

The goal for the campaign is to raise 500,000 pounds of food in October at selected Metro locations across Ontario.

The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) is a network of over 100 food banks including communities across the province from Ottawa to Windsor, and Niagara Falls to Thunder Bay.  For more information about the OAFB, as well as hunger and poverty in Ontario, please visit www.oafb.ca.

About Metro Ontario Inc.
Metro is a Canadian company with offices and operations in both Ontario and Quebec.   Metro Ontario Inc. operates its 272 stores under two conventional banners, Metro and A&P, and under one discount banner, Food Basics.  In 2009, all remaining A&P banners will be converted to the Metro name. The company employs over 30,000 people in Ontario. For further information, please visit metro.ca.
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For further information, contact:
Adam Spence, Executive Director, Ontario Association of Food Banks, Work: 416.656.4100, Mobile: 416.543.0897
Leslie Powers, Communications Manager, Metro Ontario Inc., Work: 416.234.6801, E-mail: Leslie.powers@metro.ca

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