Food bank utilization hits record numbers

 

 

By Vicki Winger

 

Food banks across Canada were originally designed to be temporary. No food bank was designed for longevity. However, the numbers keep increasing, states Lori Coffey, Whitecourt Food Bank Co-ordinator.

 

The Whitecourt Food Bank was established in the late 1980s. The town office set aside a small closet area in which to store a few canned items. As time went on, the need was apparent and more residents began using the services. The town office moved the food bank downstairs to provide a larger space for food storage. Coffey still recalls all the office staff lining up in the basement to pass over flats of canned foods when the grocery orders came in.

 

It wasn’t until three or four years ago that the food bank moved to the Carlan Services Community Resource Centre. Although the space is considerably larger, it’s still not big enough, says Coffey. The food bank is funded by donations and the kindness of the community. The purpose is to help others out in times of need whether from a job loss, single parent struggling, or what’s referred to as the working poor. Unfortunately, some workers are unable to make ends meet. The food bank is there to assist. Coffey would like to mention that the food bank is not a budgetary means. It’s designed as an emergency service for those residents who are in-between jobs or waiting for unemployment insurance. The food bank can also assist in making referrals to other resources or programs within the community to help those get back on their feet.

 

As Whitecourt is part of the Alberta Food Bank, it can tap into the extra food that is available through them. Unfortunately, some of that has been turned down because of a lack of storage space.

 

Coffey has recently applied for a grant which, if successful, would provide funding to build more storage within the current facility. The food bank currently purchases what Coffey refers to as base items: canned vegetables, soups, tuna, cereal, and juices. However, the Alberta Food bank offers free food which can consist of extras such as granola bars, small bags of chips, and crackers. Coffey states her goal is to have nutritious, more well-rounded meals for families and lunch items for school children. At present, residents are capped at five visits per year. Coffey’s hoping to bump this up to six times per year if they’re able to bring in enough food.

 

Coffey mentioned that most of the monetary donations typically come in December when it’s perceived they need it the most. With careful budgeting and planning, Coffey has to ensure those funds stretch for the remainder of the year. The spikes in numbers fluctuate from month to month with larger ones being in the spring and late summer.

 

Coffey states the average many years ago used to be around 40 people a month with the highest number in history being 120 people. However, with the last downturn in the economy, those numbers have been well exceeded. The statistics for Whitecourt are showing huge annual jumps. In 2014 there were 1,158 people seeking assistance. The numbers climbed again for 2015 with 1,313 people recorded. However, 2016 showed a huge increase to 1,820. Coffey expects 2017 will surpass that as they’ve already recorded over 1,079 people. A lot of these have been new faces, states Coffey. Over the last two years, they’ve gone from seeing the 40 people a month to 182 and as high as 200 in one month alone.

 

The food bank is open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For anyone wishing to drop off food donations call 780-778-2341 to make arrangements. Cash or cheque donations are accepted at the town office. Any amount over $25 will be issued a tax receipt.