For many the reality of putting food on the table is a constant challenge.
Whether it’s unemployment, economic conditions, or personal circumstance there isn’t enough money to provide both food and shelter for themselves and any dependents.
As a result each and every month over 500 residents, split up almost equally between the town and the county, turn to the Westlock and District Food Bank for help.
In the case of one food bank client unemployment is the main reason behind her need.
“I don’t have a job right now so I’m kind of living with my sister and her boyfriend and family, so I use it because it’s just something I need,” she said, agreeing to speak to the Westlock News on the condition of anonymity.
She said just getting the basics like potatoes, meat, eggs, oil and flour runs up an expensive grocery bill that’s simply not affordable.
Relying on the services of the food bank isn’t something new for her and has been a reality of life for some time.
“My mom went to the food bank sometimes because it was tight for her,” she said. “I have a big family and she was kind of single when I lived with her, so she had to use the food bank.
“It was something I grew up on.”
As a longtime client, she said her appreciation of the organization and its volunteers runs deep.
“I have a lot of gratitude,” she said. “I always see the same ladies taking care of everything and they seem really organized and are nice. So I have a lot.”
Aware of the current situation of the food bank, which has found itself on the brink of closing its doors as recently as this summer, she said it’s alarming to think about it not being there.
“That’s pretty scary,” she said. “The way things are, things are tough and they seem to be getting tougher. I don’t know what I would resort to.
“I think we would manage, well … I’m not sure about that. Lately we’ve been depending on it more.”
Understanding that many might not be truly aware of the integral role the food bank plays in the local area, she said she hopes that people will understand and continue to show generosity.
“I think it is an important part of the community and the volunteers are really nice. They don’t seem to judge or discriminate on anyone that goes there,” she said. “It’s just something I hope would stay open for a long time.
“I’m not sure people are aware of how many people need it.”
She said to understand the necessity of having the food bank in the community is to rely on its services.
“If the roles were reversed then maybe they would understand. They would fully understand why it needs to be there,” she said.
“I don’t want to sound really mean, but if the richer people were to understand the struggles and how scary it is to think about sending their kids to school without lunch, then they would feel the need to donate more.
“I think they just don’t realize it, or think there’s enough people donating already, or they’re not aware.”
