I AM A SONIC BOOMER, NOT A SENIOR... In this blog, I am writing to and for those who believe that the Boomers will change what the word Senior means. I also believe that Boomers will change what retirement means in our society. The blog is also for those who are interested in what life after retirement may look like for them. In this blog, I highlight and write about issues that I believe to be important both for Seniors and working Boomers.
Friday, November 1, 2024
Support Your Local Food Bank This November
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Support your local Food Bank this fall
As the leaves change colours and the crisp autumn air sets in, many of us are reminded of the importance of community and giving back. This fall, consider supporting your local food bank to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around you. Food banks play a vital role in providing essential groceries to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity, and your contribution can help ensure they continue to thrive.
Unfortunately, food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects millions of people. Some stats show that one in eight individuals struggle with hunger. Many families, including children, seniors, and working individuals, are forced to make difficult choices between paying bills, buying groceries, or seeking assistance from food banks.
Food banks are a lifeline for those in need, providing a safety net of nutritious food, fresh produce, and other essentials. They not only distribute food but also offer resources, such as job training, nutrition education, and social services, to help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty. By supporting your local food bank, you can:
- Help stock shelves with fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and other staples.
- Provide meals for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
- Assist in food rescue efforts, reducing food waste and supporting local farmers.
- Contribute to job training programs, empowering individuals to gain employment and self-sufficiency.
This fall, consider the following ways to support your local food bank:
- Donate Food: Organize a food drive at your workplace, school, or community group. Collect non-perishable items, such as canned goods, pasta, and rice, and drop them off at your local food bank.
- Volunteer: Many food banks rely on volunteers to sort and distribute food. Contact your local food bank to learn about volunteer opportunities and make a difference in your community.
- Make a Monetary Donation: Financial contributions allow food banks to purchase fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, as well as support programs and services. You can make a one-time or recurring donation online or by mail.
- Spread the Word: Share information about your local food bank on social media, and encourage friends and family to get involved.
This fall, as the harvest season brings an abundance of fresh produce, consider supporting your local food bank to help those in need. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. By donating food, volunteering, making a monetary donation, or spreading the word, you can help ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food and the resources they need to thrive.
Find your local food bank and get involved today! Together, we can harvest hope and create a more food-secure community for all.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Supporting Food Banks: Ensuring Summer's Ease for Everyone
As the summer sun warms our days and invites us to relax and unwind, it's easy to forget that for many families, the season's ease doesn't extend to their dinner tables. While picnics, barbecues, and beach outings mark the festive spirit of summertime, a significant portion of our community relies on food banks to put meals on their plates. This paradox calls for a thoughtful reflection on why supporting food banks remains crucial, even amidst the carefree atmosphere of summer.
First, let's acknowledge that hunger knows no season. While summer is often associated with abundance and plenty, the reality is that families facing financial challenges continue to grapple with food insecurity. For them, the gap between income and expenses doesn't take a vacation. Children who rely on school meals during the academic year may face even greater hunger during the summer break, making food bank support vital for their well-being.
Moreover, the summer months can bring unique challenges to food banks. Donations tend to decline as people focus on travel, outdoor activities, and leisure. Yet, the demand for food assistance remains constant or even increases due to seasonal unemployment, fluctuating expenses, or unforeseen emergencies. This disparity underscores the ongoing need for community support and generosity.
Supporting food banks in summer is not just about meeting immediate hunger needs; it's also about fostering resilience and stability within our communities. By ensuring that families have access to nutritious food year-round, we contribute to their overall health, well-being, and ability to thrive. Healthy meals fuel children's growth and learning, empower adults to pursue employment and education opportunities, and alleviate stress on household budgets.
Our support of our local food banks echoes the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines a caring community. It's a tangible way to demonstrate that we value each other's dignity and recognize the interconnectedness of our well-being. Every donation, whether in the form of food items, funds, or volunteer time, makes a meaningful difference in someone's life and strengthens the fabric of our society.
So, as we bask in the delights of summer, let's not forget those who rely on food banks to make ends meet. Let's extend our generosity beyond the sunny days and picnics, ensuring that every family has the nourishment they need to enjoy the season's blessings. Together, we can make summer's ease a reality for everyone, fostering a community where no one goes hungry regardless of the season.
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Empowering Communities: The Transformative Impact of Supporting Your Local Food Bank
In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle, it's easy to lose sight of the struggles faced by our neighbours, friends, and even family members. While we're caught up in the whirlwind of our daily lives, there are individuals in our community who are grappling with the harsh reality of food insecurity. It's time for us to come together and make a difference by supporting our local food banks.
Picture this: A child going to bed with a growling stomach, a parent skipping meals to ensure their children eat, or a senior citizen forced to choose between groceries and medication. These scenarios are not as distant as we might think. Food insecurity affects millions of people worldwide, and your local food bank plays a crucial role in alleviating this issue within your community.
Supporting your local food bank goes beyond providing meals; it's about building a foundation of strength, resilience, and compassion within your community. Here's why you should be motivated to contribute:
1. Nourishing the Future
Children are the future, and their potential should never be hindered by an empty stomach. By supporting your local food bank, you're investing in the well-being of the younger generation. A well-nourished child is better equipped to focus in school, learn effectively, and build the skills necessary for a brighter future.
2. Strengthening Community Bonds
Communities thrive when individuals come together for a common cause. Volunteering or donating to your local food bank fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility. It's a chance to meet like-minded individuals, forge new connections, and work towards a collective goal of ensuring no one in your community goes to bed hungry.
3. Empowering Individuals and Families
Food insecurity can be a vicious cycle, impacting not only individuals but entire families. By contributing to your local food bank, you're offering a lifeline to those facing tough times. Access to nutritious food empowers individuals and families to break free from the cycle of poverty and take steps toward a more stable and prosperous future.
4. Tackling Food Waste
Supporting your local food bank is not just about helping those in need; it's also about reducing food waste. Many food banks work with local businesses to rescue surplus food that would otherwise end up in landfills. Your support contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community.
5. Encouraging Gratitude and Generosity
Gratitude is a powerful force. When you witness the impact of your support on someone's life, it cultivates a sense of gratitude within yourself. This, in turn, encourages a cycle of generosity, inspiring others to join the cause and create a ripple effect of positive change.
In conclusion, supporting your local food bank is not just an act of charity; it's an investment in the well-being of your community. Every contribution, whether big or small, plays a part in creating a more compassionate and resilient society. So, let's unite, lift each other up, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can build a community where no one is left behind, one meal at a time.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Support your local foodbank 2
Another compelling reason to support your local food bank at this time of year is its ability to foster a sense of community and empathy. Food banks rely heavily on volunteers who sort, pack, and distribute food to those in need. By dedicating your time and resources to assist your local food bank, you not only provide essential support but also contribute to a stronger sense of community. Volunteering at a food bank allows you to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and provides an opportunity to learn about the diverse circumstances that contribute to food insecurity. This experience can be eye-opening and develop empathy and compassion within individuals.
Supporting your local
food bank also contributes to the overall well-being of the community. Hunger
not only affects physical health but also has significant impacts on mental
health and overall quality of life. By ensuring that individuals and families
do not go hungry, we can strengthen the fabric of our society. Children who
have access to adequate nutrition are more likely to perform well academically
and have better long-term health outcomes. Additionally, seniors and those
struggling with financial hardships can benefit from the peace of mind that
comes from knowing they have a reliable source of food. In this way, supporting
your local food bank promotes social justice and enhances the overall quality
of life within your community.
Supporting your local
food bank is a crucial endeavour that addresses the
pressing issue of hunger in our society. By contributing to the availability of
nutritious meals, reducing food waste, fostering empathy, and promoting
community well-being, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives
of those facing food insecurity. It is our collective responsibility to support
and uplift one another, and supporting your local food bank is an impactful way
to demonstrate that commitment. So let us come together, donate, volunteer, and
support our local food banks to create lasting change and build a brighter
future for all.
Monday, October 9, 2023
Food Banks in Canada Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is an important
time of year for those of us in Canada, but in many areas of the country there
is not a lot to be thankful for today. Food insecurity is a threat to the health
and welfare of many seniors, those with disabilities and those on fixed
incomes. We are confronted with a grave issue as we focus on addressing the
symptom rather than the underlying cause. The word "crisis" is
swiftly invoked in discussions with food bank administrators throughout Canada.
The relentless surge in food prices due to inflation, coupled with stagnant
wages and insufficient support programs, has led to an unprecedented surge in
demand at food banks across the nation. In order to meet this soaring demand,
some food banks have been compelled to reduce the amount of assistance provided
to each individual.
It is disheartening to
observe that among those queuing up for food hampers are new Canadians and
hardworking individuals from the lower-middle class. In regions where food
insecurity rates are already alarmingly high, such as the North, a Yellowknife
food bank reports a staggering 72 percent increase in the number of
undernourished children. The existence of food banks was originally intended to
be temporary, as affirmed by the head of the Regina Food Bank, which has now operated
for four decades.
Poverty has caught up with
the middle class in Newfoundland, as highlighted by the operator of the largest
food bank in Newfoundland and Labrador who, displeased by its size, decries the
current system. Outside the St. John's Foodbank, he shares his frustration,
stating, "This is a broken system." The number of clients at the
Foodbank has more than quadrupled since the period prior to the COVID-19
pandemic, with the fastest-growing segment being working people who now constitute
40 percent of the client base. The lower-middle class has been pushed into
poverty due to escalating costs and stagnant incomes that fail to keep pace
with inflation.
Moreover, the situation
worsens for seniors and individuals with fixed incomes who struggle to make
ends meet amidst skyrocketing grocery costs. Many seniors have resorted to
relying on food banks near their residences to barely stay afloat. Even those
who require government assistance to make ends meet find themselves compelled
to turn to food banks to survive the month.
The continuous reliance on
food banks in Canada, four decades after their establishment, signifies a
disconcerting trend. These facilities were initially conceived as temporary
responses to combat high inflation and exorbitant costs. Yet, the demand for
food bank services continues to escalate throughout the country. People from
all walks of life, including those employed full-time, find themselves seeking
assistance from food banks. Whether they struggle to earn a living wage, face
unaffordable rent, or live with disabilities, the need remains pressing.
Unfortunately, while the organization endeavors to assist more individuals,
thousands still return to empty tables.
Quebec is currently
grappling with a food insecurity crisis, and the government's response has been
sluggish. The surge in demand over the past year has compelled one food bank to
restrict the number of daily visitors and reduce the size of its food baskets
by almost 30 percent. The center has even contemplated charging a small fee for
these baskets. This raises a pertinent question: should the existence of food
banks in Canada in 2023 be a matter of concern?
While "food
security" has perpetually posed challenges for certain segments of our
community, the fact remains that food banks lack government funding and rely
entirely on donations from community partners and individuals. Consequently,
the North has experienced an upsurge in demand, while donations have dwindled.
At the Salvation Army food bank in Yellowknife, usage by single adults and
households has surged by 51 percent and 49 percent, respectively, from May 2022
to May 2023. The number of children reliant on the food bank has skyrocketed by
an alarming 72 percent. Concurrently, donations have declined significantly,
forcing the Salvation Army to allocate over $160,000 towards purchasing food
during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
In conclusion, it is crucial that we reflect upon whether food banks should still exist in Canada in 2023. The current state of affairs demands our immediate attention and proactive measures. "Food security" has transformed into a prevailing issue affecting diverse segments of our society, and it is imperative that we address the systemic causes underlying this persistent crisis. As we celebrate Thanksgiving I hope you have take the time to support your local foodbank.
This is my
interpretation of a report done by Canadian Press on June 30, 2023
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Help your local food bank
Food banks need your help. You can help by doing some or all of:
Raising Awareness: Many people are unaware of the hunger problem in their local community and how food banks can help. One way to get people to support their local food bank is to raise awareness about the issue through social media, flyers, posters, and community events.
Volunteering: Volunteering at a local food bank is an excellent way to support the cause and make a difference. Encourage people to give their time by organizing volunteer events or creating a volunteer program.
Organizing a Food Drive: Organizing a food drive can be a great way to get people involved in supporting their local food bank. Encourage people to donate non-perishable food items and make it easy for them to do so by providing drop-off locations and pickup services.
Partnering with Local Businesses: Partnering with local businesses can help raise awareness and collect donations for your local food bank. Reach out to local restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses to see if they would donate food or help promote the cause.
Hosting Fundraisers: Hosting a fundraiser is an excellent way to raise money for your local food bank. You can organize events like bake sales, charity auctions, or benefit concerts to help support the cause.
Spreading the Word: Encourage people to spread the word about supporting their local food bank. Word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool in raising awareness and getting more people involved in the cause.
Advocating: Advocating for policies that address poverty and hunger can also help support your local food bank. Encourage people to contact their elected officials and ask them to support policies that help fight hunger and support food banks.
Sharing the impact of their donation: Let people know the impact their donation will have. Show them how their donation will help people in need, and how it will make a difference in their lives.
Making it easy: Make the donation process as easy as possible. Provide multiple donation options, such as online donations, text-to-give, or mail-in donations. This can increase the likelihood of people donating.
Using social media: Use social media to spread the word about your cause and the importance of donations. Share success stories and testimonials from people who have been helped by the donations.
Partnering with local businesses: Partner with local businesses to encourage donations. Ask them to display donation boxes or donate a portion of their profits to the cause. This can increase visibility and awareness.
Showing appreciation: Show appreciation for donations, no matter how small. Send a thank-you note or email, or acknowledge the donation on social media. This can encourage people to continue donating in the future.
Create a sense of urgency: Create a sense of urgency by setting a deadline for donations or highlighting an immediate need. This can encourage people to donate quickly and feel like their contribution is making a difference.
Providing transparency: Provide transparency on how the donations are being used. Share updates on how the donations are making an impact, and provide financial reports to show how the money is being used. This can build trust and encourage people to donate again in the future.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Support your local Food Bank
Supporting food banks helps to ease hunger and food insecurity in communities by providing access to nutritious food for individuals and families in need. Food banks also serve as a safety net for those facing unexpected financial challenges, such as job loss or medical emergencies. Supporting food banks can help to reduce food waste by rescuing and distributing food that would otherwise go to waste. Overall, supporting food banks is an important way to help address hunger and food insecurity, and to support those in need within our communities.
What is the best way to support a local food bank?
There are several ways to support a local food bank. Some of the best ways include:
Donating food: Food banks always accept non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, cereal, and pasta.
Donating money. Monetary donations can purchase food and supplies, as well as help with the cost of operating the food bank.
Volunteer. Volunteering at a local food bank is a great way to give back to the community, help sort and package food, and assist with distribution.
Advocating. Advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as increasing access to education, healthcare, and affordable housing, can also be a powerful way to support your local food bank.
Hosting a food drive. Hosting a food drive in your community is a great way to collect non-perishable food items and bring awareness to food insecurity in your area.
It’s also worth noting that different food banks have different needs and preferences, so it’s best to check with your local food bank about what they need specifically, and how you can best help them.
Monday, November 28, 2022
Support your local Foodbank
A record number of people used food banks in Canada this year, with high inflation and low social assistance rates cited as key factors in the rise, according to a new report.
The annual report from Food Banks Canada said there were nearly 1.5 million visits to food banks in March, 15 percent more than the same month last year and 35 percent more than in March 2019, prior to the pandemic.
The Food Banks Canada report is based on data from more than 4,750 food banks and community organizations.
The report said the skyrocketing cost of food and housing, as well as high inflation and low social assistance rates, have contributed to the rise in food bank usage.
The report says there has been: a 35% increase in usage in 2 years 4 million meals/snacks served in March 2022 1 in 7 users are employed 49% are on social assistance 33% of users are children 9% are seniors
Fixed-income groups like seniors and employed but low-income people such as students have been hit harder because their paycheques can't keep up with inflation
The report also said that around 500,000 food bank clients — about one-third — are children, who make up around 20 percent of the country's total population. So, if you can support the Foodbank with a cash donation that would be appreciated.
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Food Bank Help
Did you know that 17% of Food Bank clients are seniors? With so many people to support, the Seniors’ Program is the most expensive supplemental nutritional program that Food Banks run. It provides foods that are high in lean protein, low in sodium and easy to eat.
You’ll help seniors some of who are helping to care for their grandchildren because families have been hard hit because of COVID. I know many grandparents who are doing the best they can to help their family and as a result, do not have enough food for themselves.
Will you help ensure that seniors in your community receive healthy, nutritious food to eat—and to share with their family and loved ones? Please support the FoodBank in your community.
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Options for people who need help with food security
In BC we have a provincial phone line 211 which is a free and confidential service that connects people to helpful and vital resources in their community. Throughout British Columbia, the 211 services is provided by 211 British Columbia Services Society (BC211) in partnership with the United Way and the Government of British Columbia. BC211 is a Vancouver-based, non-profit that strengthens communities by connecting people to the help they need.
BC211 is accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and meets international standards relating to call response, privacy and confidentiality, and the quality and accuracy of resources listed in the database.
211 provides information and referral to a broad range of community, government, and social services that assist with:
· basic
needs like food and shelter,
· mental
health and addictions support,
· legal
and financial assistance,
·
support for seniors, and much more
It is time to support your local food bank and I do. But I
decided to find out what other services there were for low-cost and free food
options for people in my area. I did a search for free and low-cost food
options within a 20K radius of my home and found the following through 211:
1. BC
Association of Farmers' Markets (BCAFM)
BC
Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program
A healthy eating initiative that
supports farmers' markets and strengthens food security across British
Columbia. Collaborates with community partner organizations to provide coupons
to low-income families and seniors participating in food literacy programs.
2. Our
Lady of Assumption Parish
Come to the Table Soup Kitchen
provides free meals from 12 noon to 1:30 pm every fourth Saturday for those
living in the Tri-Cities (except December). Wheelchair accessible. Non-profit,
registered charity.
Hosts Club Freedom which
offers free weekly community dinners for local residents in need, from 5 pm to
6 pm, every Sunday.
Operates a thrift store that
sells clothing and household goods; temporarily closed due to pandemic. Hosts a
lot of programming by other service providers in the community; food hampers,
support groups, and early years programs. Remote office hours are 10 am t...
5. Muslim
Food Bank and Community Services Society
Distributes food hampers for
special dietary needs including vegan and religious restrictions to low-income
individuals and families (including immigrants, refugees, and refugee
claimants) in Metro Vancouver. Registration with picture ID, proof of address required.
6. Guilford
and Whalley Food Depot
a) Provided
by: Surrey
Food Bank Society
Distributes food hampers from
10 am to 12 noon every second Wednesday. New registrations can be done at this
location. Current and previous food bank clients are required to update here
every six months. Serves Surrey residents in the Guilford and Whalley neighbourhood.
7. Surrey
Urban Mission Society (SUMS)
Partners with other
organizations and faith communities to offer free meals for anyone in the
community.
8. Red
Braid Alliance for Decolonial Socialism
A grassroots organization that
organizes on the front lines with communities facing displacement in BC. The goal is to support the development of people's power in working-class and Indigenous
communities and build alliances between peoples' struggles. Campaigns c...
9. Not-for-Profit
Grocery Market - Surrey
a) Provided
by: Quest
Food Exchange
a) Provided
by: Lookout
Housing and Health Society
Provides free nutritious meals
seven days a week, with the participation and assistance of community-based
organizations and individuals.
a) Provided
by: Lookout
Housing and Health Society
A specialized, high-protein
food bank for residents of Surrey and Metro Vancouver who are living with
HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C and in need of support. Operated in partnership
with Djaef Mahler AIDS Benefit Society, Quest Foods, and Surrey Food Bank.
12.
SHARE
Food Banks
a) Provided
by: SHARE
Family and Community Services Society
Volunteers distribute food to
residents in need living in Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and
Port Moody. Recipients can attend every two weeks. Applicants require proof of
local address, income information, and identification for all household me...
Provided by: SHARE
Family and Community Services Society
Volunteers distribute
Christmas food hampers to Tri-cities residents in need (Anmore, Belcarra,
Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody) on two food bank Wednesdays each
December; registration is required at the food bank. Also offers a toy/gift
program for ...
a) Provided
by: Oak
Avenue Neighbourhood Hub Society
Provides groceries by donation
for the general public from 11 am to 12 noon on Tuesdays; also accepts food
donations. A Community Dinner (by donation) is held at 4:30 pm every
second Saturday of the month; doors open at 4 pm
15.
Community
and Family Services - Burnaby
a) Provided
by: The
Salvation Army - BC Division
The drop-in centre helps meet the
immediate and short-term needs of people in distress through assistance with
food, clothing, household goods, emergency disaster services, and lay
counselling. Provides youth recreation programs, including basketball.
16.
Community
and Family Services - New Westminster
a) Provided
by: The
Salvation Army - BC Division
Helps meet the immediate and
short-term needs of people in distress through assistance with food, clothing,
household goods, emergency disaster services, and lay counselling.
17.
Food
Programs - New Westminster
18.
Provided by: The
Salvation Army - BC Division
Offers community breakfast on
Saturdays at 10 am. Bread and snacks are provided at 1 pm daily. Produce Day
serves residents of New Westminster and the Tri-Cities at 1 pm on Wednesdays
and residents of Burnaby at 1 pm on Fridays; proof of address and assistance required.
19. Safe Seniors, Strong Communities
Provided by bc211 - AKA: 211
British Columbia Services Society
Matches eligible seniors age 65 and over who are living in the community and in need of assistance, with volunteers available to help with non-medical services such as grocery shopping and delivery, meal preparation and delivery, medication pick-up, and social.
20.
Food
Programs
a) Provided
by: CityReach
Care Society - AKA: City Reach Care Society
Food for Families program
offers a free nutritious food bank for low-income households in East Vancouver
and Port Coquitlam; a government-issued photo ID is required for first-time
clients.
21.
Food
Not Bombs
Volunteers provide free vegan
and vegetarian meals to individuals in need, on an outreach basis. Advocates
for sustainable food systems and food recovery. International collective, with
BC chapters active in Campbell River, Comox, Cranbrook, Kelowna, Nanaimo.
Rescues surplus food from
producers and suppliers, and redirects it to local nonprofits and food-insecure
households and individuals throughout Metro Vancouver. The Rescued Food Box
Program provides a weekly delivery of a grocery box to members for $10 per delivery.
Friday, October 29, 2021
Time to support the Food Bank
Here are some the needed items at our local Food Bank as of October 28:
1.
Canned protein (Fish & meat)
2.
Canned fruit
3.
Canned vegetables
4.
Meals in a Tin (e.g. Pork n’ Beans or Stew)
5.
Whole grain rice
6.
Pasta and pasta sauce
7.
Healthy canned soups
8.
Baby formula (large cans)
9.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
10.Canned Fish and Meats
11.Lentils and other dry beans
12.Cereal
13.Pancake Mix
14.Juice
15.Granola Bars
16.Ensure Meal Supplements
Fresh Produce
We are happy to accept fresh
produce. Farmers and large food producers, please call us and ask to arrange
for pick up or for delivery to our depot.
Many Food Banks have special
programs for families with new born babies.
Tiny Bundles is a Food Bank
program specifically designed for pregnant moms and families with babies aged
newborn to one year. Pregnancy and the first year of a baby’s life are
critically important for healthy development. Proper nutrition and support lay
a good foundation for the rest of their lives.
Tiny Bundles families receive
food every week instead of every two weeks. They are also supplied with fresh
eggs and milk while pregnant or nursing. Additional fresh vegetables and other
nutritional items are supplied when available.
All Tiny Bundles parents receive
a layette as a baby gift when their baby is born and a graduation gift package
when the baby turns one and the family reverts to regular distribution.
Tiny Bundles – Most needed
items
General Supplies Needed
1.
Formula
2.
We always need powdered formula! Large cans
preferred so families receive a one-week supply
3.
Diapers
4.
Larger sizes are in short supply. Size 4 to 6 are
preferred.
5.
Cereal
6.
We often need food for babies older than six
months.
7.
Baby Jar Food
8.
Fruit, Meals and Vegetables (both large and
small jars).
9.
Layette supplies needed
The Surrey Food Bank welcomes
each new-born baby with a gift. We welcome donations of items to include in the
layette and ask for brand new items only, please. Helpful donations (for
newborns − 12 months). Please remember our clients are low-income. Consider
providing bottles that do not require liners
10.Baby blankets – receiving or
warmer blanket.
11.Sleepers
12.Socks
13.Washcloths
14.Baby toiletry items e.g.,
lotion, shampoo, Vaseline, baby oil or powder
15.Bibs
16.Baby bottles (large or
small)
17.Soother
18.Baby toy
19.Winter wear, e.g., sweaters,
booties, mitts, hats
Consider holding a baby shower
with friends, family or colleagues to collect baby supplies.
It’s A Party
When the baby turns one, we
provide a gift as they graduate from our Tiny Bundles program to Toddler Totes
and change to a regular fourteen-day distribution schedule.
Helpful Donations (for 1- to
2-year-olds)
1.
Toddler eating bowls or utensils
2.
Sippy cups
3.
Clothing outfits size 12-18 months
4.
Toiletry items e.g., baby body wash, lotion,
soap
5.
Beginner toothbrushes and toothpaste
6.
Books
7.
Small toys
8.
Sweaters, mitts or gloves for 12 months to 24
months
You can also consider sponsoring
a Tiny Bundle. For only $50.00 per month, you can help feed a little one in our
community. Sponsor a Tiny Bundle Today!
**Please note: Items must be
new. Food cannot be expired**
If you really want to help the Food
Bank, give money. Every dollar given to the Food Bank can be stretched up to
three times what you or I could spend. If you do not want to give money, then I
suggest you ask your local Food Bank what they
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Help your local Food Bank at Xmas
For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 3,000 food banks and community agencies come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who – last year – made 1.1 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to the HungerCount report. Over the years, Food Banks Canada shared food and funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity, while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. They have a clear vision: create a Canada where no one goes hungry.
Food Banks
Canada has advanced this vision through the efforts of a task force of
representative members, focused on how they can, collectively, best serve
Canadians. There is power and potential in the food banking ecosystem, which is
a complex network of interconnected and interdependent systems, focused on
feeding those living with food insecurity. The whole truly is greater than the
sum of our parts and this strength must be fully leveraged to meet the growing
demand across Canada.
Unfortunately
demand for food banks remains stubbornly high. During this time of economic
uncertainty, the people running your local food banks and doing the hard, front
line work, day in and day out, often under trying circumstances. Week after
week and year after year, food banks are there for families in need. These people
are front-line workers who because of their inspiring dedication and tireless
work, help your neighbours move toward a Canada where no one goes hungry.
Please support your local Food Bank.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Remember the food bank this fall.
Support your local Food Bank and Food Bank Canada offers several programs that help food banks enhance their ability to acquire a safe and steady supply of nutritious food and distribute it to people in their communities. More importantly and perhaps not recognized as much is that the Food Bank programs not only help food banks to deliver food but they help deliver a range of other supports, including education and skills training in nutrition, meal planning, food preparation, and food growing. These programs help individuals and families lessen their reliance on the Food Bank.
One program that the Food Bank offers is The National Food Sharing System (NFSS), which is a cornerstone of its network support. Through this program, they acquire safe, nutritious, good quality food and essential consumer products in large quantities from corporate donors. These donations are transported to a national or provincial hub for sorting and then distributed fairly to provincial associations and the network of affiliate food banks.
Each year this program provides community food banks across the country with on average 5-6 million kg (11-13 million pounds) of non-perishable and fresh foods and consumer products worth approximately $32 million. By working in partnership with corporate donors, Food Bank Canada help them achieve their corporate social responsibility objectives, environmental goals, and financial goals, while also helping millions of Canadians in need.
To participate, please contact ooddonations@foodbankscanada.ca.