The Minden Community Food Centre has increased its monthly food allotments for residents in need, with manager, Jean Munroe, saying people are having more trouble than ever putting food on the table.
“It’s getting bad out there – we’re hearing stories of people going hungry, not having enough food to feed their families. We decided we have to do something,” Munroe told The Highlander.
Through the first six months of 2024, the food bank served an average of 277 people per month, up from the average of 255 people last year. She said demand has increased year-over-year since 2021.
Everyone receives a hamper containing meats, canned and frozen food, fruits and vegetables, and other non-perishable snacks.
Munroe said the amount of food people receive has always been based on family size – that isn’t changing, but hamper portions are.
“We increased our hampers from five days’ worth of food to seven days worth of food. We also increased the amount of food they receive – such as dairy and eggs, vegetables and protein,” Munroe said. “The average family of three would receive around 80 to 90 pounds of food. On average, the cost of each pound is $3.54, which works out to $283.20 of groceries in each hamper.”
A recent addition, the food bank also provides visitors with recipe packages that include all the necessary ingredients to create a healthy meal.
“We usually have three or four choices to choose from – the clients love this because they are trying something new and it is encouraging them to make their food go further and feed more people,” Munroe said, noting the food bank consulted a dietician to come up with meal options.
The increased food limits came into effect in July.
Munroe said it’s put an extra burden on the food bank’s coffers, with monthly food costs now running between $5,000 and $7,000 a month, up about 20 per cent from last year.
An agreement with Dollo’s Foodland and Easton’s Valu-Mart means fresh produce remains on the menu year-round, Munroe added.
“Vegetables are going to be on the menu weekly when everyone comes in,” she said, noting items will be collected from the food bank’s vegetable garden plots in the spring, summer and fall – topped up with donations from the grocers. Munroe said Foodland and Valu-Mart have committed to supplying the food bank with fruits and veggies through winter.
The Minden food bank served 3,060 people last year, a record number. Munroe expects a new record to be set come the end of 2024.
“Unfortunately, we are just a Band-Aid to a much larger issue regarding food insecurity. Employment, cost of housing, food, and transportation – it all affects those living in a small town,” Munroe said.
Bob Lake donates
Pamela England and Dave Roberts – representing the Bob Lake Association – visited the food bank Aug. 7 to hand over a cheque for $5,055, proceeds from this year’s ‘Rock the Dock’ fundraiser.
Now into its third year, the event has raised more than $12,000 for the food centre.
“This year is our biggest year yet – we introduced a raffle, which really helped to get people involved. The Bob Lake community has been really supportive,” England said. “I think it’s important to support the food bank because of the high cost of living and increasing food prices.”
Roberts added, “raising money the way we are, and choosing the Minden Community Food Centre as our recipient, helps to keep things very local. We could donate elsewhere, but you don’t really feel it in the community. This keeps the money where it’s needed. We can see the good it’s doing every day when the food bank is open.”
To donate, visit mindencommunityfoodcentre.ca/donate, or contact mindencommunityfoodcentre@ gmail.com or 705-286-6838.
