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Food Bank sees record August need

Oct 6, 2017 | 5:00 PM

Local demand for the efforts of the Prince Albert Food Bank show no signs of slowing. 

Operations Manager Kerry Ramsdell said they had their busiest August ever.

“It’s been very busy,” she said. “The stats we had for August, we did 1,027 hampers… and that’s a 50:50 split between kids and adults.”

Ramsdell said the organization has never exceeded a thousand hampers in one month before. The hampers offer provisions for three days.

All the food is supplied by community donation and the organization is trying out a new idea this month to boost their shelves. It’s called “Fill The Bus” and is happening in association with 900 CKBI. A bus, provided by First Student Bus, will be parked at the Walmart parking lot Saturday Oct. 14. The public can bring non-perishable items which will be packed inside.

Ramsdell said this is a new venture after a number of years of handing out empty grocery bags to residents. She figured many people were away on the day of collection or just forgot about the food drive.

“We’re doing something completely different this year,” she said. “Instead of going door-to-door, folks will come to us. We’re hoping for a good turnout.”

The food bank also accepts cash or cheques, and Ramsdell said food can also be dropped off at your local school or church and will be delivered to their location at 64 11th St. E.

The Food Bank hours for assisting those in need are 1 p.m. till 2:30 p.m. Monday to Fridays. Ramsdell said ID is required.

“All you need when you come in is a valid health card or picture ID and valid cards for any family members you’re getting a hamper for. If you don’t have ID you can get a referral from local churches or the P.A. Indian Metis Friendship Centre,” she said.

As always, non-perishables like cans of soup, beans, vegetables, cereals, pastas and bulk items are ideal food donations.

 

panews@jpbg.ca

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