​Donations welcome at Kincardine Food Bank as demand continues to soar

Volunteers at the Kincardine Food Bank were busy sorting donations of non-perishable items, gratefully received over the past couple of weeks, as the demand continues to soar.

Thursday morning, the line-up was almost out to Russell Street from the door leading to the food bank, located in the hall at the Anglican Church of the Messiah in Kincardine.



Kincardine Food Bank volunteers sort through non-perishable food donations, Thursday morning

Co-ordinators Pat Stewart and Lorrie Alexander said the food bank usage has dramatically increased compared to last year.

As of the end of November, there were 1,638 total visits, serving 787 families, 183 single-parent families and 668 singles (including 403 seniors), for a total of 4,368 individuals. As of the end of November, 2022, that total was 2,974.

“At the end of August this year, we had hit the total for all of 2022,” said Alexander. “People are allowed a full grocery cart once per month, but we have people coming here every week because they need food to eat.”

She said the food bank was contacted by staff at Kincardine District Senior School, who noted that there were students who did not have enough food over the weekend. “So, we’re sending three bags of food to the school to help out those families.”

Alexander said the clients of the food bank are mostly working families who can’t manage.

“They need gas for the car to get to work, their rent is ridiculous, and grocery prices are high,” she said. “Plus, it’s Christmas which brings additional pressures. The demand for the food bank is incredibly high and we’re seeing new people each week.”



Bags of food ready to hand out to clients of the Kincardine Food Bank

Fortunately, there are plenty of donations, thanks to the generous community, especially at this time of year, said Alexander. However, the food bank continues to receive outdated food which has to be disposed of; so, please check the expiry dates on any donations you plan to make.

Dennis Flavell, winner of the Kincardine Record “Where’s Liz?” contest, received a $100 Sobeys gift card which he donated to the food bank. The contest is sponsored by Heather, Sam and Brandon Finnie of Century 21 In-Studio Realty, Kincardine.



Heather Finnie (second from right) of Century 21 In-Studio Realty, Kincardine, presents a $100 Sobeys gift card to Dennis Flavell (second from left), who on behalf of the Kincardine Lions Club, donated it to the Kincardine Food Bank, represented by co-ordinators Pat Stewart (left) and Lorrie Alexander
 

---

Members of the Kincardine Ladies Fitness Co-op gathered up about 200 items and presented them to the food bank at the end of November. Located at the south end of Queen Street, Kincardine, the fitness co-op has about 40 members and new members are always welcome by calling Ginny Ross at 519-386-5560 or Ann Larocque at 519-396-4651.



Standing with about 200 items gathered by members of the Kincardine Ladies Fitness Co-op, are Nancy Hartford (left), Audrey Weber, Ginny Ross and Marilyn Palmer
 

---

Meanwhile, staff at Greenfield Global Inc., located in the Bruce Energy Centre northwest of Tiverton, donated 660.6 pounds of food and more than $1,250, to the food bank.

Each November, the staff competes in the food drive which is judged by weight. As in previous years, the maintenance department was the winner. Tiverton plant manager Jim Murr delivered the items to the food bank.

The Greenfield Global Tiverton plant is conscious that the community is in more need than ever for the essentials and staff hopes the food bank can distribute the items to all those who need a bit of extra help this season.



Greenfield Global Tiverton plant employees pose with more than 600 pounds of food for the Kincardine Food Bank; from left, are Scott Phillips, BettyAnn Scheeringa, Kathleen Ackert, Eric Van Hardeveld, Scott McGuire, Alister Gould and Audrey Bross; photos courtesy of Audrey Boss



Jim Murr (centre), Greenfield Global Tiverton plant manager, drops off the donation to Lorrie Alexander (left) and Nancy Dawson of the Kincardine Food Bank

Located at the Anglican Church of the Messiah on Russell Street, Kincardine, the food bank is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you would like to make a donation, contact kincardinefoodbank@gmail.com.