Winter is always a time when the community donates to the local Food Bank, summer however, is another story. “We know that people are away on vacation or have family and friends visiting,” says Nikki Thompson, Director of the local Salvation Army Food Bank in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores). “This year however, with rising food prices, some families are finding it very difficult to keep food on the table and we, at the Salvation Army Food Bank are finding it is the same for our shelves.”
Thompson says there has been a 46 per cent increase in clients over the same period last year (2022) and that it is now helping out 326 individuals or 150 households. “If this trend continues, we are definitely going to see some challenges.”
“Many of our clients are on fixed incomes such as Ontario Works and Ontario Disability (ODP), people who are in temporary housing through the YMCA because they can’t find affordable housing in the area, young people on their own, and seniors,” adds Thompson.
“We are so grateful for our partnerships with grocery stores in the area, such as Foodland in Southampton and Independent and WalMart in Port Elgin,” says Nikki Thompson, Director of the Food Bank. “When some of their products are nearing the ‘best before date’, they send it to us for immediate distribution. Also, now that we have freezer capability, we can help families with meat products that are frozen.”
She also adds that the Bruce Recycling Food Drive this year brought in 3,000 lbs. of food items, which has been divided between all the Food Banks in Bruce County.
Also, retail outlets such as Starbucks have been sending baked goods and Hi-Berry Farms donates fresh vegetables. “Our clients are very appreciative, particularly when it comes to the freshest of veggies like potatoes, carrots, onions and more.”
In addition to food, there is also the need for other items that families require such as diapers, paper products, hygiene items and pet food. “A pet is a member of the family too,” Thompson points out, “and, for some, it’s very difficult to feed the family and their four-legged member of the family.”
The most current needed items are:
Heading toward Thanksgiving, Thompson says there are many people who can’t afford what is considered a typical Thanksgiving meal. Therefore, there are two upcoming food drives;
Thursday, October 5 at Independent – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
Friday, October 6 at Foodland Southampton – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
“People will also be able to donate money,” adds Thompson, “which provides the opportunity for us to both purchase in bulk and also to buy those items that we see are running out.”
In addition, Faith Lutheran Church on Ivings Drive in Port Elgin is holding a Food Drive on Saturday, September 30th from 10:00 a.m. to noon in its parking lot.
