The Brighton Fare Share Food Bank is holding its own and is happily providing for its roster of clients in the community who need help, said one of its board of directors, in how the food bank is faring so far in the new year.
“We remain optimistic with that we’ve been staying steady. We’re cautiously optimistic that we will get back to lower numbers. We’re kind of been able to meet the demand because the generosity of the community,” said Emily Rowley, a Brighton councillor who also serves on the food bank’s board of directors.
Rowley said, however, storm clouds are beginning to form and the food bank is seeing an uptick in those seeking help with food in Brighton and area.
“We have noticed up until three months ago, we were making comments that we really hadn’t seen an uptick in our clientele. But, now this last couple of months, yes we have; it’s starting to show now,” said Rowley. “Winter is here and government programs are kind of winding down, so people are maybe in some cases back to square one. We’re seeing an uptick in families, we’re seeing new families that we hadn’t had before who maybe just moved into the area and are struggling a bit and we’re also seeing families that we maybe hadn’t seen in a year.”
How much of an uptick? Rowley said she’s unsure of the number of new individuals and families relying on the food bank. She noted after the next board of directors’ meeting next month the food bank should have a clearer picture of the demand for food.
“We will be meeting in February and we’ll have a better idea of what the numbers are. The fact is we’re noticing it; we’re seeing it now,” she said.
Rowley gives full marks to the community for their commitment to helping their neighbours put food on the table.
“We are really fortunate to have the community that we do. They’re very supportive with monetary donations and food donations as well. I should say for the most part our shelves are full and we have the wherewithal to purchase the things that we don’t have. In that respect we’re doing really well,” said Rowley.
She’s proud of the team of approximately 20 food bank volunteers who do everything from stock shelves, drive to Cobourg to get food items from the Food for All warehouse there, and shoppers who find the best deals for the food bank, as well as one or two volunteers who work in the office.
“We have a really good group of volunteers, so all of our needs, all of our requirements are being met. We’re pretty fortunate. They are all volunteers; there are no paid positions,” she said.
The food bank has also worked to keep its clients and volunteers safe through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, said Rowley. The food bank uses a system where clients submit a checklist of items they need, with volunteers filling the orders and bringing them outside where clients can retrieve it.
The food bank, said Rowley, is always good with donations of peanut butter and canned vegetables. While there is always a need for fresh vegetables and extra meat, Rowley noted storage space is at a premium and “we can only take in so much”.
The Brighton Fare Share Food Bank is open each Monday from 9 a.m. to noon at the food bank’s 39A Elizabeth St. location. On the third Monday of the month, the food bank is open from 5 to 8 p.m. to accommodate those who work.
For those wishing to drop off monetary or food donations, the food bank is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon to stock shelves.
