CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Sept. 12, 2011) - On Monday morning we'll be harvesting the Garden of Eat'n for the Food Bank!

Since 1988, the BP Canada Volunteer Retirement Group has planted, nurtured, tended and harvested their Garden of Eat'n. Gardeners enjoy some of the fruits (and vegetables) of their labour themselves, but in the last 23 years more than 91,000 lbs of fresh produce has been shared with the Calgary Food Bank.

Last Thursday, the Food Bank introduced the Fresh from the Heart fresh food campaign at Kingsland Farmers' Market, encouraging customers to buy a little extra for the Food Bank during their farmers' market visit. The response we had from vendors and customers alike has been truly amazing.

Today, Fresh from the Heart welcomes its first garden donation from the Garden of Eat'n, and we couldn't be more pleased. In fact, we're so excited that Food Bank staff and volunteers are heading to the Garden of Eat'n to help with the harvest!

We encourage you to join us. There will be fabulous photo opportunities and a chance to talk with both Food Bank and Garden of Eat'n representatives.

When:

Monday September 12; 8am-noon (or until the last carrot is pulled!)

Directions:

• Glenmore Trail East to 84^th Street SE
• South on 84 St SE
• Follow 84 St over the bridge, through the town of Sheppard, past the railroad tracks.
• East (left) on Buelah Vesta Road (an extension of 114 Ave SE)
• Look for Henessey Welding on your left (approx. 2 kms)
• Turn left onto Range Road 284 (first road after Henessey Welding) and follow to Begg Farm
• *please don't try Google mapping Henessey Welding for directions, that will only get you lost … trust us!)*

Every Calgary Food Bank Emergency Food Hamper is created using Canada Food Guide guidelines; fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and eggs are all important, guaranteed ingredients. The Food Bank believes that all Calgarians, regardless of income, should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of locally produced fresh food. For the more than 56,000 kids receiving food from the Food Bank every year, it is important that they have access to a well-balanced diet so that they may reach their potential in school and beyond.

Perishable donations are ONLY accepted at our warehouse or at a Fresh from the Heart event (listed on our website).

This release is transmitted courtesy of Marketwire.