Mountain View Food Bank Society (MVFBS) plans to continue to seek out new volunteers and donors over the coming year, while at the same time relying on those who are already on board and doing great work providing much-needed support, says treasurer Penny Coyne.
Headquartered in Olds and serving the entire county area, the society held its annual general meeting on May 28.
“We don’t have a whole lot of new things that we need to do in the coming year,” said Coyne. “We are going to carry on as normal. We are always looking for volunteers. Right now we have a lot of great people here but we always take new volunteers.
“We are also always looking for donations. The end of the year is generally our highest donation period but we have regulars who donate every month, companies and individuals.”
The food bank receives donations from a great variety of groups and organizations across the county and is operated entirely by volunteers.
Many families and individuals continue to seek support from the food bank, says Tayva Graham, a longtime food bank volunteer who helps track client numbers.
“I think we are getting progressively busier every year,” said Graham. “It is steady growth. Back in 2014 when I first started volunteering, an average day would be 30 or 35 clients and now it’s easily 45 or more. When we are busy it can be 70 or more.”
Clients, including some large families, visit the food bank from across the district, she said.
“They are coming from all over, everywhere in Mountain View County,” she said.
Potential volunteers or donors can call the office at 403-556-1691 for more information.
The food bank is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
