Another holiday that has families gathering around the dinner table is upon us and the Barrie Food Bank hopes to make everyone’s table full this weekend.
The food bank’s Easter drive is down to the wire and the final push is being made to fill the warehouse at 42 Anne St. S., Unit 2, and then get the food to those who need it.
With the food bank and most drop-off locations throughout the city closed tomorrow for Good Friday, manager of community relations Michelle Simons hopes people will help reach the goal of 80,000 pounds by stopping by today and over the weekend.
“Our goal is 80,000 pounds and right now we’re at 40,000 pounds, so we’re actually looking for the community to donate the rest by the end of the month,” said Simons. “If you don’t get your donation in by Easter it is never too late. We’re really looking for the month of April to make that goal a reality for the people who really need our help.”
If you’re dropping off at a location outside of the Barrie Food Bank, they are looking for nonperishable food items and some of which you may not think of when filling one of the bins.
“We do have some things which are high need and that is flour and sugar, we absolutely have none of right now,” said Simons. “Oatmeal is another one and anything that is healthy with protein, canned stews, canned meats and hearty soups are really good for eating. Also, condiments like mayonnaise, which most people wouldn’t think of, but is used not just for a topping but for mixing with canned tuna. Which reminds me, we are also completely out of salmon.”
Simons has been with the food bank for 15 years and has seen many high numbers come through the doors looking for help over that time.
Last year, the organization served 28,000 families and in the last two days there have been 156 families using the services of the food bank.
Had it not been for the good will and hard work of the local community, Simons doesn’t know how they would operate.
“Barrie is spectacular and I don’t just mean the great coverage we get in media and such, but the city and the people are extraordinarily generous,” said Simons. “We get a ton of donations from private individuals, sometimes even businesses and there are a lot of individuals who see it as their civic duty to give and help.
"With six year-round staff and 130 volunteers who work every week, but also we get special event volunteers who help out, too," she added. "For example, the Mark Faris real estate team has been very good to us and will be in next week to sort food.”
The Barrie Food Bank is open today while many grocery stores businesses throughout the city also accept donations, which are picked up by the food bank workers.
Head to the website for information on how access the food bank services and/or to donate.
