Road trip will help feed valley families

Imagine visiting seven Valley communities in just seven days. Sounds like an ideal summer road trip, right? Not so much so for the K-ROCK 89.3 morning crew. Their only accommodation for this journey is the bay of a U-Haul truck. And they aren't on vacation, either; rather, the pair has taken their show on the road and filling up on food items along the way.

K-ROCK launched the Valley wide food drive Monday, Aug. 18, in partnership with Feed Nova Scotia. Their first port of call was the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department parking lot. “We're going to set up at fire halls in each location,” Peardon said. “They’ve been very accommodating with offering washroom facilities.”

That was the only feature neither felt they could go a week without, she added. Other than that they have coolers packed with sandwiches and drinks and the pair will curl up in their respective vehicles for a good nights sleep. Peardon in the U-Haul; McInnes in the K-ROCK wheels.

Their morning show, “The Rock Alarm,” will broadcast from on location each day they are on the road and Peardon said people began arriving with donations at the crack of dawn. “We start setting up before daylight and had people stopping at 6:30 in the morning on their way to work; it was a really good start to the day.”

Peardon noted how generous the Hants County community had been. “Neighbors have been coming across the street with items, and children are bringing things in, too.

“You just know they went home and raided the cupboards when they saw us here,” she added.

The morning crew hopes to fill the 26-foot U-Haul by the time they land in Middleton Sunday, Aug. 24, where they will meet up with Food Nova Scotia who will distribute the donations to local banks. Currently, food banks throughout the Valley help to feed more than 820 families a month; 200 alone for the Windsor and West Hants areas.

“Every little bit helps,” McInnes noted. He came up with the idea and had coaxed Peardon along.

“He just asked me how I would feel about living out of a truck for a week,” she said. “We both knew we would want to do something for the community and food banks are very close to his heart.”

McInnes said, “it’s just such a good cause.”

He noted that for this drive they are unable to accept homemade goods but suggests items such as diapers, and toiletries such as toothpaste, soap, detergents and shampoo. Non-perishable items such as pasta and pasta sauces; boxed and canned foods are great. And with school days right around the corner, keep in mind items to fill lunch bags; juice packs, puddings, and granola bars.

They also recommended perishable items such as potatoes and fruit should go directly to local banks, although they have offered to deliver those, as well, if necessary.

“It’s hard to turn anything away,” McInnes said.

Food Banks are so in need of fresh vegetables, Peardon noted. “If you have a garden overrun with beans or peas, don’t let them go to waste, take them to your local food bank; they will be so appreciated.”

Despite going without those little creature comforts, such as showers and beds, both Peardon and McInnes say the drive is already a rewarding experience. “Everyone here in Windsor has been so exceptionally kind, and that is what makes this easy for us.” Especially, as they begin to fill those boxes in the back of the truck.

The remaining schedule is as follows; check them out in your community or go to www.krock893.com for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 19 - Wolfville

Wednesday, Aug. 20 - New Minas

Thursday, Aug. 21 - Kentville

Friday, Aug. 22 - Berwick

Saturday, Aug. 23 - Kingston/Greenwood

Sunday, Aug. 24, until 6 p.m. - Middleton