The Westlock and District Food Bank is dealing with considerably higher than usual numbers, as demand has jumped by 150 clients per month. Food bank president Sharon Kennedy said that at the society's Nov.
The Westlock and District Food Bank is dealing with considerably higher than usual numbers, as demand has jumped by 150 clients per month.
Food bank president Sharon Kennedy said that at the society's Nov. 21 AGM it was estimated that the bank's load is topping 500 clients monthly, a substantial jump from the 350 per month in 2016.
'We're seeing more new people like students, more seniors and bigger families using the bank," she said.
'I really couldn't believe the figures when we sat down to look at them. We're thinking that we'll have served nearly 7,000 clients by the end of the year.
'That's a lot of people for our small food bank."
To put that in perspective, the Town of Westlock has a population of 5,101 people and Westlock County has 7,220.
She noted that donations are up slightly, but they're always in need of more.
While they collect food year long, typically the holiday season is the busiest time, whereas donations tend to taper off over the summer.
They're getting some help from the community. Aside from the many local businesses and churches that contribute throughout the year, Westlock Elementary School is running its annual Happy Hygienic Holidays donation drive, collecting toothbrushes, soaps and other toiletries for families in need and the Soul Sisters are hosting a Holiday Paint Night and asking for donations to the food bank.
'Honest to God, those women are just awesome," said Kennedy. 'Every time they have an event, they collect for us. We are so grateful to them."
Anyone who is interested in contributing can call Kennedy at 780-349-4404 to arrange a drop-off time - the bank is normally open ever Tuesday from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Fresh food and produce is also accepted - Kennedy said the food bank would like to set families up with turkey dinners. They're also asking that people check items to ensure they are before their expiry date.
'We have so many people out there that are in need of assistance," she said.
'When we're serving 500 people a month, that's 500 families and individuals that can't make ends meet.
'If we don't get the donations, they don't get the food."
Westlock FCSS program co-ordinator Maureen Schiller said that Santa's Anonymous had just started taking applications for Christmas packages and it was too early to tell if they were facing a similar situation.
'We've had lots of people in so far, but it's only been a week," she said.
As for their Coats 4 Kids program, she pointed out that they don't keep a running track of the service as it's run primarily on the honour system.
'That is always a very well-used program," she added. 'We don't keep track of coats in and coats out because that would use a lot of our manpower. That said, I know there has been a lot of people taking coats this year."
She did note that the caseloads for FCSS support workers helping out in the various school divisions had increased somewhat.
'I'm not sure if that is because of the economy or what," said Schiller.
