I still 'need' to be involved but I was emotionally drained and it was taking a real toll on me. This is a much better option for me!! My impact is still substantial and I truly enjoy being involved with the community.
There is a lot that makes this food bank a huge success. Community support is second to none. That community consists of farmers, grocery stores, retail stores, the general population, the volunteers, the organization and the list goes on.
This food bank operates on a points systems and clients shop for their own needs. They get a grocery cart and shop with choice, not a bag(s) that are handed to them. David's Hydrophonics donates a large amount of fresh produce each week as well.
There are a lot of programs within the food bank that are also run successfully. We have a 'kids zone' which are packs that are healthy(ish) snacks for kids and to help supplement school lunches, like drinking boxes, cheese strings and more. This is monthly. We have a hunger awareness recipe each month where each household is given a recipe and ALL the ingredients for that recipe. Upon entry in the food bank program each household is given a crockpot, which a lot of the recipes are prepared in. (Not every household has an oven etc). We have hamper programs at Easter, Thanskgiving and Christmas. We have a back to school program for all the kids in the program. New shoes, nap sacks, school supplies and litter less lunch containers. There are many other programs, like winter coats and mitts, donated outer winter clothing gets put out in the food bank for them to take free. We also have a transient pack back that has some vital supplies, water bottles, toothbrush/paste, flashlight, batteries, snacks etc. We also have a teen hygiene pack that is gender specific.
Last year I sourced a local paint recycling company which were thrilled to support us and they donated 20 cans of paint for households. Our clients were able to choose their colours that were available and 8 households got to repaint and the food bank also provided drop sheets, brushes and an entire painting package. I'm working with this company currently to have more donated, we are just organizing how many cans to donate and sorting colours etc. Most people on limited incomes don't have the opportunity to paint and freshen up or make their place personalized. It was successful and I'm proud to be the root to this program.
It really is a phenomenal program to be a part of and none of these programs would be successful if it wasn't for the entire community. We have a re-use store (with the food bank and its waiting room in the back of the building, seperate to help keep identities private) and that store supplements the food bank, it's programs and many more financial programs we have.
I can not express how truly amazing the local community is with its support. There are so many involved it is impossible for me to make note all here. I would go on forever!!
Some pictures of the 'store' after it has restocked shelves and reorganized. Does wonders for the OCD in me hahaha!
