Ang Stoesz, spokesperson for the Rhineland and Area Food Bank, says if you want to see how the high rate of inflation has impacted Canadians financially, come to the food bank.
“We see the evidence here, where the demand for food hampers increases every week.”
She says they hit a record on a recent Monday, with 74 hampers going out.
“That is for single people, for couples, and for some very large families. We’re seeing more and more people registering on a weekly basis. The need is only growing, and we don’t anticipate that stopping anytime soon.”
Many of their clients are employed, but the high cost of living affects everyone.
“Trying to feed a family and pay all the bills at the same time is becoming tougher to juggle,” Stoesz says.
Accessing the food bank is simple.
“Just walk in on a Monday evening and one of our volunteers at the door will help you get set up,” says Stoesz.
Registration includes taking information such as your address, and how many children you have. Newcomers are also asked to bring one piece of ID that has their address on it. Once that is completed, you are given something they call their menu, which lists the food items that are available every week. Another volunteer will assist you with your food selection.
Stoesz says it’s good to give people some variety in their food choices. There are certain staples that clients are guaranteed to find on the shelf every week, such as cereal, oatmeal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, canned meat, canned vegetables, canned soup, and canned fruit.
“And there are often other options to choose from, as well,” Stoesz says. “If possible, they like to offer a weekly special.”
For people wanting to make non-monetary donations to the food bank, there are a few guidelines to follow, such as checking “best before” dates. Because of the unique dietary needs of infants, donations of baby food are discouraged.
“We like to encourage people to support us through cash donations, rather than groceries. We have an arrangement with grocery stores, so any money donated to the food bank will go further than if donors do the shopping themselves.”
Stoesz says that through the years, the community support for the Rhineland and Area Food Bank has been incredible.
“I can’t say enough about the incredible generosity of our community and all the volunteers we have. We could not do what we do without you.”
She urges people to keep the food bank in mind when planning their end-of-year giving.
“With our economy and prices the way they are, the need within the community is growing.”
Donations can be made by contacting Stoesz, a board member, or leaving a message at the food bank. A staff person is on site Monday morning and evening to accept drop-offs.
Cash donations can be mailed to Rhineland and Area Food Bank, Box 1107, Altona, Manitoba
