Leadership with the Dryden Food Bank is thanking the Nuclear Waste Management Organization for their support as they continue to see an increase in demand for the food bank’s services.
Manager Al Huckabay was joined by the NWMO’s Regional Communications Manager Vince Ponka last week as the nuclear waste group donated $5,000 to the food bank to help support the vital service for those in need in the area.
“Al had put out the call saying shelves were a bit low and they could use the help, so we jumped on it right away,” explained Ponka. “We’re very happy to be able to give this donation to help families in Dryden. It’s a cause that’s really near and dear to our hearts, supporting communities where we live and work.”
Huckabay says Food Banks across Canada reported a 15 per cent increase in visits in March as Canada navigates the remainder of COVID-19 and an inflation crisis, and he says the Dryden Food Bank has seen an additional 14 per cent spike since then – for about a 30 per cent increase from 2021’s numbers.
“We’re really appreciative of [their support],” said Huckabay. “This last month, we gave out 465 hampers to our clients. Those hampers in total are around $44,000. This $5,000 will really go to help us with those hampers and purchasing the food. [Demand] is not going down.”
Residents are encouraged to donate to the food bank on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The facility has been operating for over 30 years now.