When Jessica walks through the food bank at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, a cheerful woman calls out: “Hi! I haven’t seen you in forever. How’ve you been?”
The woman hands Jessica a card with a number, which indicates her priority for picking up groceries in the below-street-level hall off Mason Street where the food bank has been running since 1995.
“Everyone is super respectful and nice,” said Jessica, 55, who lives on a disability income. The food bank is “like a community,” she said, adding the kindness of volunteer staffers “means a lot.”
About 80 volunteers from throughout the community — not all are church members — keep the food bank running smoothly.
The church provides the space and administrative support, which means all donations go to food and hygiene products, said food bank co-ordinator Arlene Paton.
The food bank was launched three decades ago “to meet a visible need among the many neighbours of this downtown church who were finding food affordability a challenge,” Paton said.
It was a way for the church to take action that “reflected our belief that access to food was a matter of social justice. No one in sa国际传媒 should be faced with not having enough to eat or feed their kids,” she said. “Little did we know the need would still be growing almost 30 years later.”
The food bank, which is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays, serves more than 320 individuals and their families each month — an increase of 26 per cent in the past three years, said Paton, adding in that time, grocery prices have climbed by more than 20 per cent.
One 63-year-old man on social assistance who was there to pick up food this week said rent takes up the vast majority of his budget, and he’s expecting it to rise even higher in January. As for what he eats, he said: “Lots of soups. Lots of bread. Lots of veggies. Very minimal protein.”
Each guest receives a hamper — they are encouraged to bring their own bags — of non-perishable foods that they choose from a table displaying what’s available. They then decide what fresh produce, protein, bread and bonus items they will take home.
“The idea that they are choosing is very important,” said volunteer Mary Kennedy. She said she loves meeting the clients. “You get to know their stories.”
Recipients can go to the food bank once a month, or twice if they have no fixed address. Those without a kitchen can choose items such as peanut butter, buns and cans of tuna.
About 40 per cent of recipients are families, while 10 per cent are homeless. Some have jobs but tight budgets.
Most recipients are from Victoria, Saanich and Esquimalt, but some come from farther afield in the region, Paton said.
For non-English speaking recipients, menus are offered in languages including Ukrainian, Spanish, Mandarin and Arabic.
This year’s operating budget is $57,000, said Paton, who anticipates it will rise to $70,000 in the coming year.
The food bank receives donations from individuals and grants from various fundraisers, including the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund.
It also has partnerships with organizations such as the Food Security Warehouse, Soap for Hope, and Second Harvest, and during the growing season, it receives fresh produce from Gatton Farms and the gardens at Government House.
Faith groups and organizations help support food drives.
The sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund, which started in 1956, is one of the oldest Christmas-related charity efforts in British Columbia. Last year, the Christmas Fund distributed grants to 53 Vancouver Island charities.
From Nov. 12 to Dec. 19, it has raised $837,118.20 from 2,600 donors, with a goal to match the $1.12 million donated last year.
HOW TO DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS FUND
• Go online to . That page is linked to sa国际传媒Helps, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Cheques should be made out to the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund. Bring or mail your cheque to the sa国际传媒, 201鈥�655 Tyee Rd., Victoria, sa国际传媒 V9A 6X5.
• Contact Maximum Express for free pickup and delivery of your cheque. Call dispatch at 250-721-3278 or email [email protected].
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