The Okotoks Food Bank has recently received a few large donations from local organizations to kick off the summer.
The donations included 720 lbs. of food and $3,772 from the Stash Show and Shine, 483 lbs. of food and $3,084 from the Okotoks Elks Club through a province-wide contest to support local food banks, a $500 donation from We Wash Windows, and $11,363 from Walmart’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support we've received from local community groups,” said Bente Yanota, Okotoks Food Bank Executive Director.
The donated funds will be used to cover essential operating costs, such as purchasing food for the hamper program and baby and prenatal hampers.
“With food costs continuing to rise, this support allows us to meet the growing demand while maintaining the quality and quantity of food we provide to our clients,” Yanota said.
Summer is typically a challenging time for food banks, Yanota explained, as school meal programs are put on pause, and families often face added childcare expenses.
“We typically see a noticeable dip in donations during the spring and summer months,” Yanota said. “Donations allow us to keep our shelves stocked and ensure no one goes without support during these months.”
To bridge the gap, the food bank relies on financial donations from individuals and businesses, food rescue partnerships with grocery stores, the food bank community garden, and local food drives.
The food bank is currently serving between 32 and 34 households every week through the hamper program, while the Help Yourself Shelf program sees around 320 visits each week on average.
The food bank is currently in need of canned meat, beans, crackers, juice boxes, granola bars, and baby snacks.
Personal care items such as toilet paper, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products are also in high demand, but often in low supply.
Going forward, the food bank is planning an open house later in the summer to fundraise for food and monetary donations, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, and preparing for the annual fall food drive in September.
The food bank is grateful for the generosity and support the community has continued to show.
“Whether it’s a donation of food, time, or money, we want everyone to know that every contribution makes a meaningful impact,” Yanota said. “With the help of the community, we’re making sure our neighbours have what they need, all year long.”