September is Hunger Action Month, a time to reflect on food security and how communities can come together to support one another. In Teulon, that spirit was on full display last weekend when the Teulon & District Senior Resource Council partnered with Second Harvest Canada for a special event during Pumpkinfest.
A semi-truck carrying 44,000 pounds of potatoes rolled into town on Saturday — but these weren’t just any spuds. They were part of a coordinated effort to combat hunger and strengthen local connections. Volunteers quickly rallied to unload and distribute 50-pound bags to festival attendees, the local food bank, seniors in the area and others in need.
Second Harvest is Canada’s largest not-for-profit food rescue organization, operating solely on donations. The group works to end hunger while caring for the environment by redistributing surplus food from more than 7,500 businesses nationwide. Rather than operating as a food bank, Second Harvest connects donated surplus food with a network of more than 370 registered non-profit organizations in Manitoba.
Anita Toole, Second Harvest’s Manitoba operations manager, said the Teulon & District Senior Resource Council was an ideal choice for the project.
“We chose Teulon Seniors Resource because we have worked with them in the past and know that they are very resourceful. And when previous larger donations have been available, they step up and make sure that good food is shared with their three local senior centres, used in their local food bank and have also shared with the local school and daycare,” she said.
The donation was made possible by Sheldon Wiebe and his family at J.P. Wiebe Ltd. of MacGregor, with transportation provided by Baljinder of Easy Way Logistics / Caxton Cargo.
Teulon & District Senior Resource Council coordinator Barb Mankewich said she was deeply moved by the outpouring of support.
“We are very grateful to Baljinder of Easy Way Logistics / Caxton Cargo for transporting the potatoes and Second Harvest for arranging and for their help unloading and distributing,” she said. “It was such an amazing opportunity for this little community, and even though it rained, it was a magical day.”
Teulon Seniors Resource Council Inc. is a non-profit organization providing services to seniors and people with disabilities in Teulon, Inwood, Komarno, Malonton, Narcisse, Gunton and Chatfield. The community-run program is overseen by a volunteer board made up of representatives from local groups.
