Food drive aims to help local Food Bank

For the first time ever, the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre (BTEC), Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) have partnered together to host a food drive in Battleford, Sask.

Erin Katerynych, Executive Director of Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre, said the partnership between the organizations coming together is important because of the increased need for donations this time of year in particular.

“Over the summer, people tend to forget about the food bank,” Katerynych said. “We don’t get as many donations and the number of supplies is down, but the demand and numbers of those in need now is up.”

She said that the Battleford Food Bank is just one of several food banks across the country partnering with Farm Credit Canada in an effort to increase outreach and resources to those in need. There’s been added support from the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre. 

Katerynych said with the fall season coming up, between kids heading back to school and the pending winter ahead, this is a busy time of year at the food bank, with an even higher number of people than usual relying on the non-profit organization for resources.

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“Right now our shelves are bare, we’re super busy because of back to school,” she said. “A lot of people have to spend money to get their children ready to head back to school and they’re coming up short so  we’re seeing a lot of people that we haven’t seen in years coming back to get food.”

So far this September, the food bank has already handed out over 150 more food hampers than previous months this year.

Heather O’Neill, manager of the food bank, said she first got involved with the organization through volunteering.

“I just thought it was a good way to give back to my community,” she said. “At the time I was a stay-at-home parent and looking for something to fill some of my time, so I volunteered here and really enjoyed myself while I was here volunteering. We have a great group of people and it makes me feel good that I’m doing something to help make a difference.”

O’Neill believes that once people’s basic need for food is met, they have an increased opportunity of improving their lives in other ways.

“I think food insecurity for people causes other issues that stem from that, socially,” she said. “I think the best way to help people is to help make sure their stomachs are full and that [providing for their family] is not something they have to stress about. When that’s taken care of they can continue on bettering their lives after that – it’s hard to do when you’re hungry.”

Over 2,200 people are assisted by the Battlefords Food Bank each month. Fifty five per cent of those assisted are children.

For more information on how to get involved with the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre, visit their website.

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1