The Alberta Food Bank Network Association (AFBNA) would like to reassure the Boyle Food Bank that they have not been forgotten.
“Our job is to help all of the food banks as much as we can,” said AFBNA resource development coordinator Richard Le Sueur.
During the Village of Boyle’s bi-weekly council meeting last Wednesday, Mayor Don Radmanovich revealed that he received a phone call from a member of the Boyle Food Bank’s staff, addressing concerns that the Edmonton Food Bank had cut them off from getting food and they were in the dark as to why.
“As far as I know, they will continue to get our surplus of food,” said Marjorie Bencz, first vice chair for the Edmonton Food Bank.
Bencz explained how the Edmonton Food Bank acts as a hub for Food Banks Canada, and though much of the food may not be their product, it still physically comes from Edmonton and is moved to smaller local food banks around Alberta.
Bencz also pointed out that AFBNA wants all food banks to try and be as self-sufficient as possible.
“They’re new and they’re trying to catch up to the process,” explained Le Sueur, saying that they have to get used to how everything works.
“Their status hasn’t changed.”
To make donations to the Boyle Food Bank, please contact Leeanna Pavnell at 780-689-5190 or 780-213-1254. There is also a drop-box for clothes and non-perishable food items located beside the food bank’s door at the rear of the Gateway Community Church.
Boyle’s food bank first opened as a member of the AFBNA on Dec. 7 and they are the recipients of the 2010 Village of Boyle Community Spirit Award.
Council had unanimously voted in favour to draft a letter of support for the organization.
