Deputy Mayor hooks up Essex Area Food Bank with locally made apple treats

by Sylene Argent

Last Wednesday, Essex’s Deputy Mayor, Richard Meloche, dropped off apple crisps treats at the Essex Area Food Bank, which will be distributed to area families in need as a special treat some time in the new year.

  The apple crisps are a dehydrated snack, made at the Gleaners facility in Leamington.

  Meloche said he had a connection to the Gleaners organization, and was approached about this opportunity because of his involvement with the Essex County Region Goodfellows. He was asked if the local Goodfellows organization needed apple crisps for its Christmas food baskets that will be distributed to area families in need.

  In Essex, the local Goodfellows do not distribute Christmas food baskets, but instead typically host a newspaper campaign – which was replaced with a 50/50 draw this year, due to the Coronavirus to raise funds for the baskets. The funds raised are then distributed to the Harrow and McGregor St. Vincent de Paul Chapters, the Essex Salvation Army, and the Essex Area Food Bank, which then use the funding to help put together the food baskets.

  Meloche said he would be happy to forward the apple treats to these organizations to be included in their Christmas meal baskets for their clients.

Since the Essex Area Food Bank already distributed its Christmas baskets to its clients, its portion of the apple treats will be distributed in the new year.

  In total, 300 apple crisp bags were forwarded from Gleaners, and will be distributed to the four aforementioned food banks.

  “We appreciate it, so much,” Essex Area Food Bank Coordinator, Gerry Belanger said, noting he is sure clients will appreciate the treat.

  “They are delicious,” Meloche said of the apple crisps, noting he hopes they are enjoyed.   

  Meloche added the 2020 Goodfellows raffle has nearly sold out of its 2000 tickets. The lucky winning ticket will be drawn on December 26.

Donations to the Goodfellows can be made by e-transfer to essexregiongoodfellows@gmail.com, or a cheque can be mailed to P.O. Box 25. Essex, ON, N8M 2Y1. Donations to the Essex Area Food Bank can be arranged by calling 519-800-2340.