Red Deer Food Bank pleased to hear of $100 million federal commitment

Last week, the food bank reached their maximum of helping 50 families per day, or 250 in the week.

“There has been an increase in client usage, but that was anticipated. Currently our stocks are sufficient, but we anticipate that will change over time as more and more people without jobs and without any resources are going to be reaching out,” she adds.

“Our community has always been great, and they’ve been donating in droves, so I believe in my heart we’re going to be okay, but it will take the community.”

Kolisnyk says if people want to donate, they can put items in the donation bins at grocery stores, mail a cheque to the food bank, or donate online to CanadaHelps.org.

The food bank’s bread and extras area is currently closed, she notes, so they’ve put items outside the front of that area for clients to pick-up. Meantime, hamper requests are being processed the same way (call 403-346-1505), but pick-up is now done at the back of the building and in a non-contact format.

“Our staff are still working really hard and being real troopers about this. We’ve lost a few of them though, so we’re revisiting the volunteer program to see how and when we can accept more.”

Of the $100 million announced Friday, half will go to Food Banks Canada, $20 million is to be divided between the Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada, and $30 million will be for local-level organizations who serve people experiencing food insecurity.

It will be dispersed through the Government of Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Red Deer Food Bank pleased to hear of $100 million federal commitment

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