Empty Shelves at St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank Leads for a Call for Donations The St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank is facing an unprecedented challenge with empty shelves and an escalating demand for food. “Food insecurity is a challenge facing thousands of individuals and families in our community,” said Karen McDade, Manager of Public Relations and Administration. “We are experiencing a significant increase of new Food Bank users on a weekly basis. The numbers, sadly, are staggering.” The data speaks volumes. In April 2018, the Food Bank provided for 601 individuals. By April 2023, that number had increased to 1,446, and in April 2024, it soared to 1,888 individuals. These figures underscore the growing need for community support and donations. Due to the surge in demand, the Food Bank’s expenses have also skyrocketed. “We purchase skids of food items now instead of cases,” Karen explained. In 2022, the Food Bank spent $119,346 on food purchases, which almost doubled to $245,201 in 2023. “All monetary donations received are spent on much-needed perishable and non-perishable food items to help feed the need in our community,” she added. The St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank is appealing to the community for help. The basic needs list includes staples such as pasta, peanut butter, cereals, canned tuna, and fruit. Karen emphasized, “Every dollar or canned food item helps to feed the need that is greater than ever right now! A huge heartfelt thank you to our amazing and generous community for helping those facing food insecurity during these challenging times!”
Donations can be dropped off at the Food Bank’s location at 24 John Street, St. Thomas. Donors are asked to ring the bell at the receiving door at the back of the building for service. The Food Bank accepts cash, cheques, e-transfers, or online donations through Canada Helps. For e-transfers, donors should email treasurer@stthomaselginfoodbank.org and in- clude their full name, email address, and mailing address to receive a charitable tax receipt. Karen concluded, “These figures demonstrate how your donated dollars are spent. We truly appreciate all monetary and food donations shared to help fill our shelves.” On Tuesday the 21st, Caps Off Brewery, seeing the need, worked with dozens of local businesses on a quick campaign to Fill Trailer, to Fill the Shelves by going to participating drop- off locations around town to pick up food donations in support of the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank. Fran and Rick Dunseith of Caps Off Brewing, with their daughter Jasmyne dropping donations off to Karen McDade of the foodbank.
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2024 • Page 19
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