PALMERSTON — The Palmerston Community Food Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new location on Sept. 14. It was previously housed in the basement of the Palmerston United Church.
The new location offers improved accessibility, a larger, brighter space and a large storage area to better serve their clients.
The Town of Minto has provided the space at 215 William Street, Unit #2 (behind the EarlyOn Centre) to the Food Bank and purposefully renovated the space to meet the food bank needs. They also donated a fridge, dishwasher and freezer among other things to the cause.
Several organizations in Minto donated materials and other needed items:
– Trusscore Canada donated wall panels and slat wall for the entire facility;
– the Palmerston Legion Branch 409 donated two combination fridge/freezer units that are being put to good use;
– Ray Sauder of Raynbow Signs donated a large sign for the building exterior.
The donations were appreciated by the food bank volunteers.
Mayor Dave Turton, MP Matthew Rae, MPP John Nater, town councillors and members of the Chamber of Commerce attended the grand opening along with representatives of the generous donors as well as most of the Food Bank volunteers.
The Palmerston Food Bank has had a significant increase in the number of hamper requests in 2023.
From January to June 2022, the Food Bank gave out 238 hampers with food costs of $2100 above and beyond donated food items.
In 2023 from January to June, 376 hampers were given with food costs of $5500.
These numbers are statistically in line with what other food banks are experiencing throughout Ontario. It is also said that one in seven food bank clients work full time.
The Palmerston Food Bank is run by volunteers who provide for those suffering food insecurity and the need is growing quickly.
Any food donations can be dropped off at Foodland in Palmerston – there is a large bin by the cash registers clearly marked for the Food Bank, or call the Food Bank to make arrangements to meet at the facility at 519-417-4774.
Anyone requiring help in the form of food hampers is encouraged to call the Food Bank any time before Wednesday evenings at 9pm in order to be able to pick up a hamper on Thursdays between 3 and 5pm. Clients are able to request hampers once every four weeks.
