BARRHEAD - With the rising cost of groceries and other daily necessities, more and more people are turning to the food bank to make ends meet.
Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services (FCSS) volunteer and food bank coordinator Rae Whiting said the food bank is busier than ever, serving on average 250 individuals every month.
"We need donations," she said bluntly. "We have record numbers accessing the food bank, and it does not look like it will decrease anytime soon."
Whiting added that although clients accessing the food bank services run the whole gamut from the working poor to those on disability or other pensions and those who recently lost their jobs, an increasing number of seniors are asking for food hampers.
FCSS executive director Karen Gariepy noted at the July 5 County of Barrhead council meeting that the increase in seniors was due to cost-of-living increases in recent months including everything from housing and utilities to groceries.
"Rent is the priority, so if something is going to give, it's food," she said.
Fortunately, Whiting said, in recent months, the food bank received a bit of a boost through two successful grant applications.
The food bank received a $15,000 Northern Capacity Fund grant, a federal government program that will help them replace aging freezers and fridges. They also received $25,000 from the federal government's Emergency Food Security Fund. The fund was created in 2020 to allow food banks to help improve access to food for people experiencing food insecurity due to the pandemic.
"We also received an After the Bell grant (from Food Banks Canada) to help us fill in the gap for children who are accessing various food programs through the school system," Whiting said. "Parents can pick up a weekly package of fresh and non-perishable healthy snack items throughout the summer."
As for the best way people can help, Whiting said financial donations are always appreciated, adding the food bank supplements what it has on hand with items they purchase themselves.
And of course, people can always donate non-perishable food items and toiletry items, such as toilet paper, soap, and shampoo.
Whiting also noted that people can drop off fresh produce from their gardens. Items can be dropped off at the Barrhead FCSS at 5145-45th St., Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, it is appreciated that people call ahead (780-674-3341) to give a heads up.
She added that FCSS, in general, is looking for volunteers, including the food bank.
"Our volunteer numbers since COVID have dropped, but now that things are opening up again and that we are taking physical food donations, we can also use a hand," Whiting said.
Gariepy also noted at the July 5 county council meeting that FCSS and the food bank need volunteers for the upcoming Blue Suede Music Festival from Aug. 5-7 in Westlock.
Every year the Elvis tribute-themed festival holds a food drive for the Barrhead, Westlock and Morinville food banks, and as such, they are asking for volunteers to help man the gates.
