The shelves of the Innisfail and Area Food Bank are nearly filled to overflowing.
Located close to the Co-op Mall at the southwest side, the food bank is experiencing a bountiful Christmas season.
“Innisfail is a generous town,” said Maureen Hample, food bank treasurer. “Our shelves are getting fuller and fuller as the days go by.”
“We are receiving donations from service clubs such as Rotary, Kinsmen, church groups, businesses like the Innisfail Truck Ranch, Co-op, No Frills, Manville, Sunterra, and individuals all over Innisfail and area. With the RCMP doing their charity check stop December 14, our coffers and shelves will be ready to help those in need,” Hample added.
Christmas requests for assistance are usually on par with the month of November.
“We have seen a steady request for 70-plus hampers, which represents at least 170 people, during the winter months in Innisfail. It seems that when the weather turns cold, those on fixed incomes allocate their funds to power and heat and then we see them,” Marjorie Jack, food bank volunteer said. “We think the number would be higher in December but many families receive hampers from the Christmas Bureau and church groups.”
Food hampers typically contain enough food for one week per person, with extras thrown in for families with children.
Those interested in applying to the food bank for assistance must bring health-care numbers, proof of residence and income, or pensions/AISH paperwork on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Individuals interested in donating food or funds can call 403-227-0600 for more information.
