In the two months since re-entry the Wood Buffalo Food Bank has provided more hampers than it did in all of 2015.
The WBFB noted in a press release Friday that it has doled out 4,915 hampers to 2,861 households aiding 7,144 people in the region.
Over 90 per cent of users since re-entry are new to the Food Bank.
“Because of this serious strain on warehouse staff and volunteers, the decision was made that a daily cap of 150 hampers was to be put in place,” noted the WBFB in its press release. “Since the cap has been set, there has only been a small number of days where they did not have to close down early after hitting that maximum. Several times this has forced them to close as early as 1:30 p.m.”
Sixty-one per cent of users have returned for a weekly hamper more than once and 29 per cent of users served are under the age of 18.
The Food Bank is currently working on an altered service schedule, through a weekly hamper format instead of its traditional monthly appointment-based system. This temporary system will be in place until Sep. 1, and will then be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Those in need of Food Bank services are asked to visit the Food Bank at 10117 King St., between the hours of 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Monday, the Food Bank announced a new fundraiser that will take place in September.
The 2016 Empty Bowls Festival presented by John Wilson’s Hedco Group Inc., will take place on Saturday, Sep. 17. To be held at Jubilee Plaza and the McMurray Experience locally crafted bowls will be on sale.
Restaurants and cafes will be on hand to help fill your newly purchased bowls over-and-over again. There will also be an arts festival featuring local performers and a local hand-crafters market.
Bowls will be on sale for $20.
Funds raised will support the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.
To get involved with the event as a sponsor, food vendor, or artist email: comm@woodbuffalofoodbank.com
