Every week the Sunshine Coast Food Bank opens its doors to provide food for those in need. Presently there are 368 households that utilize the service on a regular basis representing 775 individuals, of which about 30 per cent are children. Service to the participants of the food bank occurs on a weekly schedule with considerable effort by a group of dedicated volunteers, as the Sunshine Coast Food Bank receives no government funds.
The volunteers at the food bank conduct multiple tasks. A number of them pick up product from retail donors and deliver it to the food bank. All product is weighed and organized for distribution. There is a walk-in freezer and cooler to hold product as required. Each volunteer typically commits to a consistent schedule of about four hours a week. And it is interesting how food makes it to the food bank. Here are a few quick stories on how donations occur and arrive at the food bank.
One day a man brought a box of food and an envelope. His daughter had requested her friends attending her birthday party to bring a food item or money as a donation to the food bank. How thoughtful was that? Another time, a person arrived with a box of jars of honey as he had requested the same thing of those coming to his birthday party. How sweet was that?
More than 5,000 pounds of food as well as close to $5,000 over the last six months have been delivered by our local students. One of the elementary schools had a coin drive and a student population of just over 200 donated $800. The teacher informed us that one student went home and told his parents that he was going to break his piggy bank and bring all his money to school for the food bank. How caring was that? And what about the local band that played music all night long and provided the proceeds of the evening to the food bank. How much fun was that? To all of you who contribute to the food bank, thank you, and you can be assured that the participants are very grateful.
Speaking of the participants – for many, circumstances change in an instant and with insufficient or no support systems in place they have found themselves at our door. As an example, one participant receives disability assistance of $960 a month. This person has a food disorder that complicates life. There is also medication required. So with this paltry sum of money this person has to meet the cost of living. We are grateful to be able to assist this well educated, thoughtful and community-minded person in meeting the challenges of the day. Such circumstances do beg the question of what is needed to lift these people up from the levels of despair that many live with every day. A living wage, affordable housing and economic opportunities are some areas that could go a long way.
The food bank is under the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society umbrella. Over the past year it has been conducting a visioning process to determine a three- to five-year plan for the future of the society. It seeks to integrate many of its programs as well as develop strategies that can address issues faced by those in need. Food Banks are evolving from their initial mandate in the early ’80s and we will likely see some changes here at our food bank as part of a process to be better positioned to improve the quality of life of the participants of the food bank.
The pantry at the food bank is constantly being depleted. At this time of year there is a significant drop in the amount of food and financial donations. When you are out shopping at your local grocery store, please think about contributing a food item or making a financial contribution with the cashier. Or have a party and contribute a bit of your fun to the food bank. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated, for we all eat.
– Submitted by Norm Blair
