By Greg Higgins

Food bank looking for more donations as stock declines

Mar 17, 2017 | 2:00 PM

The North Battleford food bank is still busy as ever, but not just with people needing food, they also offer hygienic supplies and at this time of year even do free income tax for those who qualify.

The Battlefords and District Food Bank’s last major series of donations came for Christmas and now staff is starting to see the stock decline. The next major fundraiser won’t be until May’s “Every Plate Full” food drive but executive director Erin Katerynych said she hopes more donations will come in before that.

“We’re still busy,” Katerynych said. “We are handing out over 600 hampers a month, which is pretty busy for us. Christmas is always our big fundraiser for food and we are starting to get a little low, so we are always looking for more food donations.”

Katerynych added hygienic products like deodorant, soap and toothpaste are also in high demand.

As for the food supply Katerynych said the community has always come through for the food bank.

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“We have always had a lot of support for the community so we have always had a lot of food trickling in every week,” Katerynych said. “Our supplies will diminish and we will have to stretch it out. If we do run out before that [Every Plate Full] we will put out a plea to the city but, we have so many people helping us out that we are hoping we can make it until then.”

While stock is diminishing, Katerynych said the group of volunteers remains strong. She said on a day to day basis they have enough people coming in, but added anyone who wants to help out in any way is always welcome. The bank is looking for truck drivers. 

“Our truck is a bit big,” Katerynych said. “You only need a class five to drive it but some people get a little bit nervous with it.”

On top of people coming in for food and supplies right now the food bank is also busy providing income tax for those who qualify. Katerynych said the service is offered as a walk-in clinic on Wednesdays and Thursdays but appointments are needed on Mondays and Tuesdays. According to the executive director, appointments are completely booked until April.

To qualify for the free tax service an individual has to make $30,000 a year or less; that number rises a bit for families and single parents.

Greg.higgins@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @realgreghiggins.