The food collected by Share Family and Community Services will be staying cool this summer thanks to a new fridge, freezer and refrigeration truck.
The walk-in capacity cold storage is now full of boxes of fruits, vegetables, dairy and even hamburger meat for food bank clients as the social service agency strives to provide healthier meals to Tri-City residents in need.
“It’s what people need,” said Claire MacLean, Share's chief executive officer, as she took The Tri-City News on a tour of the new addition.
Tomorrow (Saturday), the public is also invited to tour the food bank at its third annual open house, which will also include a by-donation barbecue. Located at 2615 Clarke St., the food bank is opening its doors to give people a behind-the-scenes look at how the facility runs. It’s also an opportunity to make donations because, at this time of year, supplies are low and school breakfast and lunch programs are closed.
“They can come and see what’s involved,” McLean said, adding that cash donations are particularly important because they allow Share to buy produce, dairy and meat for food bank users as well as oils and spices that are important components of diets of some people who rely on the service to make ends meet.
While food bank use is holding steady, many of those most vulnerable, such as seniors and children, are benefiting while the Tiny Bundles program also supports pregnant women and families with infants.
McLean said some people are surprised to learn that it’s not just people in social housing who rely on the service, in fact, 81% of those using the food bank live in market housing.
“These families are facing a choice between housing security and food security,” said McLean, noting that the food bank can help fill the financial gap for those who are struggling so people don’t have to make those difficult choices.
Thanks to the installation of a new walk-in fridge and freezer, Share’s food hampers look a lot different than they did a few years ago, when only non-perishable items were collected and put in hampers.
Now, a hamper is just as likely to contain squash and fresh tomatoes as it is dried spaghetti or canned sauce, although donations of non-perishable items are also welcome.
It’s all part of Share’s mission to ensure clients get as much healthy food as possible, and by supporting the organization with a donation online at www.sharesociety.ca, members of the public can aid in this endeavour.
• The Share food bank open house runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 2615 Clarke St. Parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to take transit be prepared to park nearby and walk.
