Consider a young married couple with two children under three years of age and imagine the household when the breadwinner is struck with a debilitating disease that removes the ability to contribute to the family financially. How about the middle-aged man who suddenly drops to the ground and wakes up in the hospital after a tumour was removed from his brain. And then think about a mother who has to fend and protect her children from an abusive father. And now contemplate what these situations must look like when there are no resources to assist in such dire circumstances.
These are examples of why people come to the food bank. Then there are those who attend the food bank who simply cannot make ends meet. The reasons are varied, yet there is a common thread in all the conversations that are shared with those coming through our doors – poverty.
On Saturday, March 23, the Holy Family Parish held a food drive to support the food bank. Their efforts brought in 730 pounds of food and funds of more than $1,200.
This year alone, the food bank has registered 57 new households, bringing the total to more than 1,300 individuals seeking support. On average the food bank sees about 170 households a week. The facility is open for distribution on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. At this time of year the food bank’s shelves are running low. Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated.
– Norm Blair, Food Security Lead, SC Community Services Society
