Woodhaven Food Bank

Thanks to Anita for sharing the following...

REV. LIZ asked me on this Thanksgiving Sunday to provide you with information about what I consider to be a very important Ministry supported by St. Andrew’s Church, the Woodhaven Food Bank.

For those of you who do not know me my name is Anita Cox and I am one of four Team Leaders managing the Food Bank with Lynne Tovell, Doreen Pattie and Sue Marlatt.

When St. Stephens St. Bedes found it necessary to sell their Church the St. Andrew’s Vestry was asked if we would consider assuming responsibility for the Mount Royal Food Bank. Vestry responded in the positive and a Committee was formed to oversea and establish policies and I was asked to liaise with Harvest Manitoba. A Parish Meeting was held and over 40 individuals offered to participate.

The Woodhaven Food Bank has now been operational for a year. It provides service to approximately 30 families every two weeks. The names of Clients and the food is provided by Harvest Manitoba however it is our responsibility to provide a volunteer and truck to pick up the groceries. To date this has been undertaken by Jim Hingey and Ken Wardle for which we are very grateful. For the last year they have provided their truck, gas and time. We would not be able to function without this help. Unfortunately Ken is having to step down but I want to acknowledge his kindness and service over the last year. Thank you Ken.

I am also appreciative to a friend Paul Petrick who has consented to help and will start on October 17th.

Volunteers have been divided into two teams, each attending one day every 28 days. However, we are also very thankful for the support of a number of volunteers who attend every Food Bank Day, including Lisa and Larry you know how much your attendance means.

Volunteers set up tables, unload the food from the truck, open the boxes, sort food for distribution, garbage the boxes and then meet and greet Clients and assist them in selecting their groceries. Noreen Ponton and Norma Pittman serve coffee and treats for the Clients which are also welcomed by volunteers. Thank you both.

Depending on individual schedules some volunteers attend only to help set up tables and sort the food received. Our Volunteers are very special people and provide whatever time they are able.

However, currently The Woodhaven Food Bank is needing assistance particularly in setting up tables. if you or any friend or family member have time on a Thursday afternoon to provide volunteer assistance in this or any and all of our activities please contact one of the four team leaders. While challenging it is a very satisfying activity.

Clients are extremely appreciative of the service and the time to socialize with each other and us.

In addition Harvest Manitoba will allow Food Banks to select food from what is considered “surplus”. This is food which is coming to the end of its prime time. Two individuals who worked with Mount Royal have continued with Woodhaven Food Bank and using their own car and gas to pick up surplus food which is then distributed to Clients. Khalil Hessa and Dale Windsor have every two weeks taken on this activity and our Clients are very much supported by their efforts.

Harvest Manitoba provides food to over 50,000 Manitobans each Month and without volunteers these individuals could not be supported. This work is vital to many adults and children and I am grateful we are participating in this important work.

While I have mentioned some individuals. many more of you sitting in the pews today are contributing by volunteering to this Ministry. Your work is crucial, important and thankfully received by Clients and provide an important service to our Community. Thank you.