Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

La Bouffe Additionnelle is partnering with the Huntingdon Tim Hortons once again for this spring’s Smile Cookie campaign running from April 28 to May 4. The Huntingdon-based food pantry has been selected as the beneficiary organization for a second time, following the successful cookie drive organized last fall.

Marine Mailloux, the new director at La Bouffe Additionnelle, says they hope to raise $10,000 through the partnership, where 100 per cent of cookie sales will go towards sustaining the organization’s delivery services as demand for food aid keeps rising.

“La Bouffe continues to see new families and individuals, with between two and four new files being opened each week,” Mailloux says, noting the increasing cost of living and groceries is making it more difficult for people to access enough food.

“We are committed to meeting this growing need, and to providing adequate food to those in need,” she adds, while suggesting the current situation emphasizes the significant role played by the organization within the Haut-Saint-Laurent and neighbouring communities.

Mailloux recognizes the efforts of former director Sylvie Racette and her dedication to broadening the food pantry’s reach. “We share the same vision for the future of La Bouffe,” she explains. “Sylvie and the team’s objective was to set up new food access points in other municipalities in the MRC, and I intend to continue in this direction,” she says, adding that she is hoping to develop a solidarity grocery store where people can select food items according to their needs and preferences.

In the meantime, the organization continues to rely on donations and fundraising such as the Time Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign, to ensure it continues to respond to the community’s growing needs on a regular and sustainable basis.