The Gananoque Food Bank held its AGM and several reports were presented, which highlighted many achievements in 2022-2023.
Some of those include receiving over $8500 from the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign and distributing over 200 food hampers in December of last year.
The food bank also was able to install a ramp at their front door for easier accessibility.
Board Chair Shannon Griggs issued a statement, saying her and the Board are very thankfully for the generosity of all donors.
The goal of the food bank, is to continue to educate the public about the food needs in our community.
· Receiving over $8500 from the Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign;
· Distributing close to 200 Christmas food hampers in December, 2022;
· Conducting a community fundraising raffle thanks to the generosity of Thornbusch Landscaping Company Inc.;
· Gratefully accepting food and hygiene product donations from Metro Gananoque, Starbucks, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmasave and many other local businesses;
· Installing an access ramp and door to improve the client experience for those with mobility issues which was accomplished with assistance from a Feeding Possibility Grant in the amount of $25,000; and,
· Welcoming three new members to the Board of Directors
The Gananoque and Area Food Bank was established in 1987 by the Gananoque Ministerial Association (an organization of all local churches) to provide support to
individuals and families living in our area whose financial resources were insufficient to cover basis food needs.
The Food Bank is funded and sustained through food and monetary donations from individuals, merchants, churches, school food drives, service clubs and local businesses. It costs close to $17,000 per month to operate the Food Bank.
The affairs of the Food Bank are managed by a Board of Directors. As a member of Feed Ontario and Food Banks Canada we must ensure compliance with various standards of operation, operating policies and Code of Ethics.
During the March 2023, National Hunger Count conducted by Food Banks Canada, the Food Bank served 289 individuals including 82 children 17 years of age or younger. Single people make up the greatest number of clients followed by single-parent families with children under 18.
The Food Bank is open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and is operated by a team of amazing community volunteers. We also provide emergency orders. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during Food Bank hours or can be placed in the large plastic bin located on the deck at the back door at any time.
(By: Tim Baltz)
