Reverse advent calendar sparks huge community push as Brockville food bank faces record demand

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A local holiday tradition is taking on new urgency as Brockville broadcaster Bruce Wylie kicks off his annual Reverse Advent Calendar campaign to support the Brockville and Area Food Bank. 

Food Bank Manager Amanda Petch joined Wiley in studio to mark the launch and outline the growing need in the community.

Petch says the food bank is seeing demand like never before. 

She says staff are now helping about 100 people a day, including many working families who can no longer cover both rent and groceries.

The Reverse Advent Calendar encourages residents to donate one food item each day for 24 days. 

Petch says affordable staples such as instant noodles, oatmeal, canned soup, peanut butter, cereal, juice and canned tuna are urgently needed.

She adds the rising cost of food, heating, and rent is pushing more people to seek help. 

Listen to the Bruce Wylie show every morning to find out how to help. 

Day one saw $2,400 donated of the $20,000 goal.