Near empty food bank asks for reinvestment

By Philip Rushton
Hinton Parklander Reporter

While the economy is recovering, donations, which help low income folk cope with the rising living cost, are in short supply.

The Hinton Food Bank's glass is half full or empty depending on the view on the matter.

"We serve 50-150 people per week, that's a lot more than a student's pantry to keep stocked," said Bernie Kreiner, Hinton Food Bank president.

Users of the food bank often have little extended family in town according to Kreiner, daycare, food and transportation costs rise faster than wages so it's hard to balance household budgets.

Stats are difficult to track annually, but the food bank tracks between 3,800 to 5,000 visits by clients, per year. Which represents five to 10 percent of the community.

"We give them food to meet the needs over two to five days if stretched properly," said Kreiner.

The food bank needs to stretch the budget of the community's generosity in food donations of an estimated $40,000 to $60,000 and $30,000 cash which goes to buying fresh produce, dairy and meat.

"If the economy's better, people don't think to donate as much," said Kreiner.

"It's not visible because we're not dealing with homeless, just people who are struggling to make ends meet."

During the festive times around Thanksgiving and Christmas the food bank storage is overflowing with donations, but in the summer, it's difficult to keep up with year-round demand.

"All it takes is for people to donate a little bit of their groceries to the bins in town," said Kreiner. "It's greatly appreciated for those in greater need."

With a bustling room of six to 10 volunteers preparing to disperse food on Tuesday nights, others make grocery runs to pick up donations and perishables during the week. Another volunteer does intake applications and carries a cell phone for emergency food access on case-by-case situations.

"There's satisfaction in knowing we're helping those in need," said Kreiner.

When not busy, people like Kailey Little, home for the summer from university, are happy to help.

"I'm blessed to be in a family that doesn't have issues for food, so to be able to help others feels great, said Little, who is going into 3rd year political sciences and education at U of L.

Other volunteers like long time helper Larry Matwie and his wife Marni, who coordinates the program, have paternal instincts and lots of compassion.

"There's lots of thank-yous when we hand out food," said Matwie as they see the impact over time.

Smiles extend to volunteers when large donations come in from companies' week-long campaigns, Christmas parties and other creative fundraising.

"At the ball tournament there was a challenge of which team could come up with the most weight of food collected," said Kreiner. "It's wonderful when special events raise funds."

However, food banks in different communities have been creative too in a trend to reduce dependency of regulars by enabling them to provide for themselves. The food bank here has three plots at the community garden for clients' use and Kreiner has been working with a few research students from West Yellowhead Community Futures Leadership who will find results by October.

"Seeing how other food banks have been successful," said Kreiner. "We asked the question of how this operation could reduce dependency."

Yet more volunteers are always needed in the meanwhile and the food bank would be happy to train people and put a good experience on resumes.

"Working here is fantastic and we get to get hear people's stories," said Little.

A suggestion from Matwie and Kreiner is to invite high school students looking for a rewarding way to fill volunteer hours for graduating requirements.

"Look at the smile on my face and chuckle in my talking," said Matwie.

"Some people who just need a hand-up in life," said Little.

People interested in volunteering can contact Bernie Kreiner at (780) 865-9355 or at bernie.kreiner_at_shaw.ca. To contact the Hinton Food Bank call (780) 865-6256.


PS Have to admit it was a little hard to report and write this. I'd been working all day and shot this story on the way home before making supper. Was legitimately tiny bit on the hungered side so it was easy to put myself in someone else's shoes.

It was also very warm vibes back in that little store-room, for jokes were fast back and forth. For the record, I'm not sure but that still counts as a grip & grin ^_^ The guys were joking that passing the meat was like Pike St Market and I'd agree they seemed to be just as much fun as the guys who throw fish.