With your support Cochrane Fire Services are once again looking to fill the shelves of the Calgary Veteran's Food Bank.

Last year our local department filled four pick up trucks worth of donations and over a $1000 in cheques to support men and women who have served our country.

John Rathwell, General Manager of the Calgary Veteran's Food Bank, says while the shelves are not quite as low as last year, the food bank is still facing a high demand.

"We aren't as low as last year although the campaign is just starting and we are coming up to holiday season. We can always use more."

While many food banks receive generous donations of pasta, soup, and beans; there are other specialty items they love to receive and are constantly low on. "Cans of salmon, sardines, oysters, jello, instant pudding cups, honey, jam, cans of fruit, and some items we really find important that some people don't think about is personal items; deodorant, razors, body wash, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes."

The Veteran's Food Bank is working hard at dispelling the image that they only support old wartime vets; in fact many subscribers are young families where members have served in countries such as Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. "We support all veterans; even those that haven't been to war as long as they have been in the military or the RCMP, they are still a veteran to the Legion. This economy right now it affects everybody so we don't turn any veteran away. We deal with veterans as young as 23 years old and as old as their 90s."

There is no financial criteria to meet for vets looking to receive a hamper, as long as they have served. Rathwell, shares a four box hamper is valued between $400-$500 in food alone and includes a grocery chain gift card on top for perishable items. "That allows them to purchase fresh food products and also allows them to use any of their own funds for other essentials coming up and gives them a sense of independence as well." While some people get a hamper as a short stop gap measure, others receive support for longer time periods.

The Veteran's Food Bank is incredibly grateful for the support they receive from Cochrane Fire Services and the community at large. "All the assistance that comes in is very valuable to our veterans; whether it is the aging or the younger. It supports more than just the veterans but their dependents as well."

You can drop off your non perishable items or monetary donation at the Cochrane Fire Hall up until November 10.