Fall Food Bank News
Hello everyone!
Hope you are enjoying the last few days of a glorious summer. As our Monday night summer BBQs wrap up at Bradbury’s and we head back into serving up hot meals for the fall, there is so much to share with you about new initiatives we are involved in.
We were approached by Harvest Manitoba to partner and pilot a new project called Market Garden Fresh Food Give Away. With food banks closed over long weekends, there is no where for someone to pick up food if they are in dire need. A Harvest truck was set up in our church parking lot on the August and September long weekends. About 38 patrons showed up in August. More than 200 people in September!
A big shout out of thanks to Colin Remillard at Jardins St-Leon Gardens. He was very warm and welcoming when I met with him in the spring regarding any possible donations to our food bank. Colin has been outrageously generous to our patrons providing 85 large trays of fruit, whole pineapples and dozens of crates of corn over the summer. Our patrons were thrilled with all the fresh food saying it was Christmas in July!
I would also like to sincerely thank Nikki Marchand of Broadstreet Properties in Winnipeg. Nikki found us online, contacted Holy Cross, and has set up a soup donation through their lunch program twice a month for our Monday night meal and food bank Wednesday morning. Hats off to local businesses for stepping up and doing their part in feeding those who are most needy and vulnerable in our community.
As for our food bank, the numbers remain strong with 400 patrons registered every month who rely on us to help feed their families. I am getting more messages from people who can’t make ends meet with soaring food costs and are devastated to be using a food bank for the first time. One Wednesday, we filled 18 baby hampers which is a testimony to our changing demographic. More young families with infants and young children. It is heart warming to see some of these patrons become part of our church community and take part in some of our programs.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you at Holy Cross for your generous donations throughout the year in meeting the growing demand of feeding the poor. We could NOT do this without you. Whether it be prayers, a cash or food donation, bounty from your garden, or bags of pet food, know how truly grateful we are for everything you do. May you be blessed abundantly. Your reward will be great in heaven.
Sincerely,
Marianne Savard, Holy Cross Food Bank Coordinator