Operation FULL PLATE will take place October 3 to support local food banks, including those serving Prescott and Russell.
Residents of Casselman, Russell, Embrun and The Nation will have an opportunity to support a provincewide food drive organized by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on Saturday, October 3.
Through Operation FULL PLATE, OPP Auxiliary members across Ontario will collect non-perishable food items and other essential goods to support local food banks.
In Prescott and Russell, a collection point will be set up at Your Independent Grocer, located at 735 Notre Dame Street in Embrun. Residents of surrounding communities, including Casselman, Russell and The Nation, are encouraged to drop off donations at the location.
The initiative aims to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, a challenge affecting communities across Ontario.
“Every donation, no matter the size, can make a difference. Together, we can help stock local food banks, support those experiencing food insecurity and strengthen our communities,” the OPP said in its announcement.
Continuing a tradition of community service
Operation FULL PLATE builds on the community service tradition of the OPP Auxiliary Program, which was established in 1960.
For more than 65 years, Auxiliary members have volunteered alongside OPP officers, supporting frontline policing, emergency response, crime prevention, community events and public education initiatives.
Today, more than 500 OPP Auxiliary members serve communities across the province.
“Service doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes it’s supporting frontline officers, sometimes it’s helping at a community event, and sometimes it’s making sure a neighbour has food on their table,” said Matthew Manor, acting Auxiliary Staff Sergeant with the OPP. “Operation FULL PLATE reflects what our Auxiliary members have always been about: showing up for their communities when it matters.”
The OPP is encouraging residents to contribute non-perishable food items and other essential goods at the Embrun collection location on October 3.
For more information about Operation FULL PLATE and to find participating collection locations, visit opp.ca/fullplate.
