Farm Credit Canada's Drive Away Hunger Program is now in its 14th year.

Hunger is still an important issue in Alberta, as food bank usage has risen nearly 18 percent since 2015.

FCC field offices have been collecting food and cash donations since Septmeber 6, which stay with food banks in the local community.

FCC's Manager of Community Investment, Carla Warnyca says, the Drive Away Hunger program includes a tractor tour to pick up these donations of food and money from FCC offices, industry partners, and schools.

"A lot of it is about the awareness, because sometimes we end up in communities where seeing a tractor is kind of unusual, so when someone sees it they wonder what's that all about. It gives us an opportunity to engage in that dialogue, and let them know what we're up to, and see if maybe they can jump on board and help as well."

The tractor tour will be making stops in Camrose on October 11, and in Lloydminster on October 12.

The program has a goal of collecting five million meals this year, Warnyca says.

"I think often we don't realize, how big the need is and who uses the food banks," she says. "I think there is a misperception out there, and we really want people to take a look and realize that it could be your neighbour that is maybe struggling a little bit or someone who could use your help. So we are encouraging people to get on board and be as generous as you can."

Warnyca talked about some of the most common items being requested.

"They often need baby food, that's really important for them to get," Warnyca said. "Definitely things like peanut butter, sources of protein are great, soup is great, beans, all those sorts of things."

Food Banks Canada released a list of their most needed items.

    Pasta (canned or dry) and pasta sauces
    Canned and frozen meats and fish
    Meat alternatives (peanut butter, soy, assorted nuts)
    Canned goods (beans, soups, and stews)
    Dairy (fresh, canned, and powdered milk)
    Canned vegetables and fruit
    Whole grain cereals
    Infant foods and baby formula
    Bathroom tissue and diapers
    Personal hygiene products

The program will be wrapping up this Friday, October 13.

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