FERGUS – The Centre Wellington Food Bank (CWFB) held its annual appreciation reception and general meeting on May 23 at the Highland Rugby Club in Fergus.
The food bank recognized the ongoing support of 34 companies, organizations, clubs and individuals and addressed the necessity of that support. Innovations and accomplishments over the past year were also highlighted.
With over two million reported visits to food banks across Canada during a one-month period last year, the need has never been greater. And CWFB is in as much need as any other, said manager Curt McQueen.
The May 23 event was hosted by McQueen and board chair Jackie Andrews, and featured guest speaker Evelyn Seeley, a food bank client and supporter.
“Without the tremendous support of our community, there would not be a food bank,” Andrews said.
“There would not be a place in our community for people to go to in their time of need to reduce their food insecurity and at the same time, maintain their dignity.”
A total of 963 people in the community – over 300 of them children – needed the support of CWFB last year, an increase of more than 30% from the previous year. The fastest growing number is the over 45 and over 65 age groups, Andrews said.
She noted that after paying rent and utilities, over 200 families that utilize the food bank have less than $300 monthly to spend on necessities like food and clothing.
Andrews said that the “Share the Care” Angel program made Christmas magical for over 105 families, including 220 children, last year.
The food bank also offers a free community volunteer income tax program, which thus far this year has helped complete over 50 income tax returns. Andrews explained this allows clients access to much needed government benefits.
Seeley explained she and her family frequently use the food bank.
The stigma attached to people who utilize food banks persists, she said, offering insight into the circumstances that lead people to food banks for support.
Food security is only one of the problems people face, and it is not just single parents and people on government assistance that need the service, she said.
“My husband and I both work full time. We have four children ages 6 to 17,” she explained. “We budget and pinch pennies as often as possible, but sometimes find ourselves needing an extra hand. [CWFB] steps in to help fill that void.”
Over the years, Seeley said, her family has accessed almost every resource the food bank offers, including The Food Explorers program, where three of Seeley’s children learned how to cook nutritious meals.
“Never once using these services have I been made to feel less than, or that I am somehow a failure because I need help and ask for it,” Seeley said. “Instead, it’s the opposite. [CWFB] is this little community that has become part of our family.”
Seeley noted many food bank volunteers have watched the Seeley children grow, and always ask about, and celebrate milestones with them.
Award – From left: Centre Wellington Food Bank chair Jackie Andrews with “Crystal Friend of the Food Bank Award” recipient Danielle Ellis of the OPP auxiliary and food bank manager Curt McQueen. Photo by Bill Longshaw
The child of a single mother, Seeley recalled visiting food banks as a kid.
“This one is by far the best I have come across, in part because of the dignity it provides,” she said.
“You have no idea what it can mean to a person who is struggling” to be given the autonomy to shop and select items that are right for them.
The Seeley family does what it can to help the food bank. She assisted in coordinating the donation of all food that Starbucks would have disposed of at the end of the day.
The family donates through food drives as well.
“We don’t take the help unless we absolutely need it,” Seeley added. “[CWFB] is a vital support to our community.”
CWFB has proven to be a significant support to food banks across the country by impacting and reshaping the national food bank model.
Food bank chair Jackie Andrews offers thanks and flowers to guest speaker and food bank client Evelyn Seeley. Photo by Bill Longshaw
Its “grocery room” is the first of its kind in Canada. Rather being given a box of supplies, clients choose their items from each of the shelves that are labeled by family size. As Seeley noted, it provides them dignity and the ability to shop for items that match their dietary needs and preferences.
The food bank also has a zero-waste initiative that is highly successful. Meals for clients are made in the commercial kitchen and then frozen. When a large donation of strawberries arrived from the Elora Farmer’s Market, they were available in the grocery room, frozen, and also become freezer jam.
(The Elora Farmer’s Market has also implemented a zero-waste program. Vendors can donate their fresh products that may not keep until the following Saturday.)
CWFB was chosen by Food Banks Canada to hold its pilot cooking program. The eight-week program gave clients the opportunity to develop skills in nutritious cooking and to use the resources of the commercial kitchen.
Andrews said most clients who attended the programs were very knowledgeable, they simply didn’t have access to the necessary resources and materials in their homes.
The programs were specific to different age groups, and clients were able to take meals home after every class.
Andrews and McQueen both expressed their gratitude to the community, noting the food bank could not operate without its volunteers and supporters.
The Crystal Corporate Sponsor Award was presented to Mark Birse of the Fergus Freshco.
Andrews thanked Birse for his introduction of the year-round $5 grocery bags that contain items from the food bank’s most-needed-items list, and for many other initiatives Freshco has implemented.
“Freshco has made a real difference in our community,” Andrews said.
The Crystal Friend of the Food Bank Award was presented to Danielle Ellis, a member of the OPP Auxiliary.
Andrews said the OPP Auxiliary has been the driving force at the food bank’s annual Thanksgiving food drives since 2009, and played an integral role in each of the four major food drives each year.
From left: Andrews with “Crystal Corporate Sponsor Award” recipient Mark Birse, manager of Freshco in Fergus, and food bank manager Curt McQueen. Photos by Bill Longshaw
Andrews noted Ellis initiated the drives and leads by example, dedicating her time to organize and take part in over 22 of the weekend-long events.
“The Centre Wellington Food Bank is so very grateful to the amazing support we continue to receive from our caring community, whether it be individuals, community groups or businesses,” Andrews said.
She noted the support comes through in cash and food donations and services.
“We couldn’t do any of this without our strong core group of over 30 consistent and committed volunteers that show up week after week,” she added
Manager Curt McQueen praised Andrews, who has been a driving force and dedicated volunteer at the food bank since 2007.
Andrews said the food bank is accessible to anyone living in Centre Wellington in need, no questions asked.
To donate, visit cwfoodbank.org, canadahelps.org or bring donations to 11-105 Queen St. W., Fergus. For information visit cwfoodbank.org or call 519–787–1401.
