The Mealshare program has officially come to the Sunshine Coast.
For eight years in Canada, participating restaurants have donated one dollar per meal sold. As of this year, two Sunshine Coast restaurants – the A&Ws in Sechelt and Gibsons – joined the initiative to raise money for local food banks.
On May 25, the first installation of funds was received and matched by the Sechelt Rotary Club.
The money raised is electronically transferred to the Sechelt Rotary Club, as an established charity, and passed on to the food banks every three months. Sechelt Rotary Club president Mike Pence told Coast Reporter they’re hoping other restaurants in the area will join the cause.
At the cheque presentation, Carey Rumba of Sunshine Coast Community Services, told Coast Reporter ongoing funding helps the food banks plan what they’re able to afford and offer.
“We were seeing an increased number of people that are using the food bank and the food bank services,” Rumba said. “Every little bit counts.”
