A local food bank is looking for help to replenish their cupboards as the pandemic has continued to make things difficult on those who were already experiencing hard times.
The Hunger To Hope food bank at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre (BNFC), is currently down to its “bare bones,” according to the organization’s Facebook page on March 4.
The program, which began around five years ago, already has a strong history in the community, says Dale Plett, human resources and programs manager at BNFC.
“The coordinator of the program at that time had some of her older youth go to door-to-door in its beginning," Plett explained. "From that summer of collecting food for Barrie’s homeless community and members of the community that may struggle with food security, the Hunger to Hope program began.
“It has become a program that each and every staff within every program at BNFC contributes to and is passionate about. It runs out of one of our team member's offices within the Centre.”
The BNFC, located at 175 Bayfield St., has always made it clear that the facility is open to everyone, not just those with an Indigenous background.
“Hunger to Hope is for anyone that is in need. If we find that we have individuals come in more regularly, we do try to encourage them to register for one of our programs and become a participant in some of the wonderful things that we are doing at the Centre,” said Plett. “We have something for everyone from being in the womb, to seniors. We do a lot of great things at the Centre.”
The amount of people who need the program varies, Plett explained, but noted that over the last two years, staff have seen a dramatic increase.
“As we enter into this second-year anniversary of the global pandemic, our team has seen the need rise significantly. We have many different families and individuals coming to the centre daily at least four to five come to our door each day,” said Plett.
“This program serves our homeless community and homes that are struggling to make ends meet between paycheques. With the rising prices of food, fuel, heating, we know and understand it has been a struggle for all," she said.
The BNFC staff and volunteers also try to pass along other items they think individuals may need such as masks, sanitizer, hygiene products, clothing, warm boots, hats and mitts.
Despite Plett’s short tenure at the BNFC (she began in January 2021), she already has memorable moments from the food bank experience, including one that she admits left her teary eyed.
“One of my favourites is a wonderful group of strong, kind, respectful students at St. Mary’s Catholic School here in Barrie. Their Social Justice Club has on multiple occasions rallied the entire student body to donate purposely to the BNFC,” said Plett.
“Not only did they collect food that barely fit into our van with the seats down, they also donated money they had raised in order to purchase fresh food items for families as well," she said.
The centre was able to feed hundreds thanks to the work of the students.
She also recounted how a group of OPP recruits come to learn about all the programs and services offered at BNFC.
“When a specific group came to the Hunger to Hope shelves, we explained to the new officers that we have different sections within our pantry. We have a section that specifically has pop tops, so that our homeless community is able to open and eat and then sections for families that have a kitchen or do not have a kitchen in which to prepare food ... they may only have a hot plate, microwave, etc.," said Plett.
“These simple little things made such a huge impact on the officers, as they had not even considered these variables for individuals within this community of Barrie," Plett explained.
"I love this specific story because life has been so polarizing this year and it only took a few moments to bring a little knowledge and understanding to a group to have a better understanding of community and considerations that we all need to take into account.”
Plett said the teachable moment led to the officers bringing donations back to the centre later.
Hunger To Hope is currently especially looking for pasta, sauces, pop top cans, proteins, school snacks, pet food.
For more information on the BNFC and their food bank, head to the website here.
