Corteva presented a $1,500 cheque to the Carman and Area Food Pantry, providing crucial support for their ongoing efforts to assist households in need. The Food Pantry, which relies entirely on donations and volunteers, expressed deep gratitude for its contribution.
“The Food Pantry is extremely grateful to Corteva for this generous gift,” said Evelyn Rempel Petkau, a pantry volunteer. We have found Carman businesses, churches, individual citizens, and organizations to be very supportive and generous.”
Since its founding just two years ago, the Carman and Area Food Pantry has seen a rapid increase in the demand for assistance. Originally serving approximately 30 households, the pantry now serves 180 registered households, including many new immigrants who are facing the rising cost of food while trying to support families locally and abroad. This growth underscores the urgency of the situation and the crucial need for community support.
“Salaries are not always keeping up with the rising cost of food,” explained Petkau.
Though the pantry provides essential short-term relief, Petkau acknowledges that more long-term solutions are needed to address food insecurity in the community.
“We are, at best, a band-aid solution. We are very grateful that we can assist households challenged with food security, but the real solution needs to be more long-term.”
The Food Pantry’s operations are made possible by the dedication of approximately 40 volunteers. These volunteers help collect food from Harvest Manitoba, set up the pantry, assist clients in selecting their groceries, and provide transportation for those in need.
Looking to the future, the pantry hopes to move to a central location where it can operate alongside other services provided through Carman Wellness Connections, a network of working groups that address various community needs like housing, education, and employment.
“Donations like Corteva’s make a significant impact in helping the pantry continue its mission to support the local community,” said Petkau..
For those interested in getting involved through volunteering or donations, community members can contact the pantry by calling 204-745-6013 or by reaching out to Carman Wellness Connections via mail or email: Box 1406, Carman, R0G 0B0; carmanwellnessconnections@gmail.com.
