The operators of the Whistler Food Bank are inviting those who work in the resort to team up with co-workers and challenge those working in other businesses to collect the most food during their upcoming food drive.

So far this year, the Whistler Food Bank has served more people than it served during all of 2009. The Foodworx food drive, which runs from Aug. 6 to 13 during the Crankworx mountain bike festival, is to include a workplace challenge, officials with the Whistler Community Services Society, which operates the food bank, said in a statement.

Groups of workers are being invited to set up donation boxes in their places of employment. Food bank officials will arrange to pick up the items on Friday, Aug. 13, after 4 p.m., and the workplace that collects the most food by weight will receive a choice of a two-hour backcountry tour from Canadian Snowmobile Adventures.

Businesses are also being asked to get creative in helping with Foodworx. For example, retailers can offer discounts to customers who donate cash and/or cans to the food drive, or organize a prize draw among customers who donate.

To sign up for Foodworx, please contact Claire@mywcss.org, Kari@mywcss.org or phone (604) 932-0113.