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Milk and butter could be in short supply in Surrey this weekend as families prepare to feed the 500,000 people expected to attend the city’s annual Vaisakhi celebration on Saturday.

“We see a lot of foods disappearing from shelves right now,” said parade organizer Moninder Singh. “The impact on grocery stores … is massive over the month of April.”

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Food is a significant part of the annual Sikh harvest festival due to the tradition of “langar.” The word comes from the community kitchen in a gurdwara where a free meal is served to visitors of different backgrounds.

“It’s a place where you come, and sit, and eat together,” explained Singh. “It helps to break down barriers.”

The preparation and service of langar is considered a service to humanity, and hundreds of Surrey families and businesses offer food to the crowds attending the Vaisakhi parade.

Fraser Health has issued about 300 food permits to people hoping to serve hot food along the route, said Singh. Hundreds more will likely serve cold or packaged food or commercially-prepared items like pizza or sandwiches. Expect to find samosas, chole (chickpea curry) and fried bread, with the spice level ranging from “mild to ‘oh my God.'”