Food banks, a great asset for communities

By Myrina Carter

Today many communities struggle with supplying food for their tables through tough times of covid or job loss. Food Banks across the country are in the works to help the masses avoid this problem. Food Banks are non-profit organizations that collect nutritious, safe, and appropriate food and help by redistributing it to individuals or families in need. Some may ask, why are food banks needed? Well, access to food is a human right, but if struggle and poverty exist, food insecurity will too.

Food banks get provisions from many different places. Some may purchase food from donated funds; others may get food donations from local community members or organizations. Food banks may have booths or boxes set up at local businesses-like grocery stores, for anyone to donate.

Suppose you are interested in donating and wanting to help people in need. In that case, they always look for non-perishable foods like canned vegetables, dried fruits, beans, rice, and pasta, among other high-protein foods like canned salmon, tuna, and peanut butter. Vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, and tomatoes are always a must. Baby supplies like pureed vegetables, powdered formula, and baby cereal are also great items to donate.

Food banks are not only for supplying food to locals in need, but they are often neighbourhood hubs that work to foster social connection and education. Many food banks’ missions are to create new opportunities for people, increase knowledge, provide resources, and deliver innovative programs for everyone.

If you or a loved one need assistance, reach out to your local food bank for some help. Typically, your first visit to the food bank will involve an intake form or questioning. You will need a photo ID and proof of address. Personal information may need to be shared, such as income and expenses, along with the number of people in your home, but everything is confidential.

If you want more information about the Redwater Food Bank, call or visit Redwater Fellowship-Churches at 4944 53 Street on the second floor in Redwater. The phone number is 780-942-2061. If you see your local food bank, they will be able to assist you further with which types of donations they are taking or how they can help you or your family today.

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A food bank is not only for food donation or to help distribute food, though that may be the main reason. It is also a safe place to build community, increase knowledge, and provide other resources for those in need.

Photo by Google