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Food bank meeting needs despite rising costs

Thursday afternoons added to accommodate people from working families
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Emily Holmes with a crate of produce at the entrance to the Harvest House Food Bank. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank is weathering the inflationary storm despite a substantial increase in demand.

Emily Holmes, who took over as coordinator of the food bank in May of last year, said as of December there’s been an increase of 50 per cent compared to the hunger count completed in March 2022 from the community needing to access the food bank.

Harvest House serves residents in a broad area that includes Chemainus, Crofton, Saltair and Westholme, along with Thetis and Penelakut Islands.

The continued strong support from food suppliers, businesses arranging stuff the truck fundraisers, community donations and ardent volunteers have allowed the food bank to still provide assistance to anyone requiring its services.

“You have clients who are feeling extra stressed,” said Holmes. “We have a very generous community. Our little food bank is well-supported.”

The shelves aren’t running bare and the rising cost of food is always a concern, but not hampering the Harvest House from conducting its important work as usual.

Holmes has enjoyed the transition into the job the last several months after training with former coordinator Dorothy Sandford.

Related story: Sandford steps into role as Harvest House chair

“This is a good fit,” Holmes said. “It’s local. It’s part-time and I can walk to work.”

And the nature of the job itself is very satisfying.

Holmes took an eight-month program at Vancouver Island University in 2021 about community mental health that led nicely into the job for her.

“It really is a huge issue in our communities, especially after COVID,” she said. “Living with poverty creates trauma in people’s lives when they don’t have what they need.”

Having the proper nutrition is immensely important.

At the food bank, Holmes said limitations are created because you want to be fair. At the same time, you don’t want to create scarcity. “We are a weekly food bank, people are welcome to visit once a week.”

There are other resources around for people, Holmes added, to supplement support from the food bank such as Cowichan Neighbourhood House and the Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre. Some of those, such as at the senior centre, come with a moderate cost.

But as for the food bank, “our shelves are full at the moment,” said Holmes and that’s the good news.

Thursday was the soft opening for an extra day Harvest House will now be open each week.

“Because we’re seeing an increase of working families using the food bank, it makes it awkward for them to come during the day,” Holmes explained.

Friday mornings in Chemainus and Monday mornings in Crofton will remain the same with a shop style arrangement. “You pick up all your items yourself,” noted Holmes.

Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Chemainus will be a hamper format, with requests made by email or by stopping in and filling out a form.

“We’ll see how that goes,” said Holmes. “We’ll be open later if the demand is needed.

“We’ve had a handful of people ask to pick up outside of hours because they’re working. This is something I’ve wanted to do since November.”

Loaves and Fishes of Nanaimo is a loyal supporter and makes a regular delivery of food items to Chemainus.

“They’re fabulous,” said Holmes. “They’re a food bank, but they’re also a food bank distributor for B.C. Food Banks.”

Regular contributions from 49th Parallel Grocery that include the $20 donation bags and annual fill the truck event are vastly important. And produce is purchased to top up donations.

The food bank is also supported through Save-On Foods stuff the truck events in Duncan and by the Island Savings Full Cupboard fundraiser. Food First Chemainus has also come along recently with its community garden located beside the food bank at the back of the Chemainus United Church.

Despite increased costs to purchase food, Holmes sticks close to her budget.

“I’m more focused on the ordering and getting what we need,” she said. “I’ve budgeted a certain amount for produce. Yes, it’s probably more expensive. But working with the produce department at 49th, they’ve been really good at getting the best prices.”

The same for Save-On. “I can place orders with them and they’ll give me the sale prices,” noted Holmes.

The best way to support the food bank is with cash donations so necessary items can be purchased.

“Monetary donations help us buy the things like the yogurt, the milk and the cheese that are really important for families nutrition-wise,” Holmes indicated.

And a team of about 40 volunteers devotes the time to get the job done for the community with great precision.

“It’s great we have the volunteers to do it right now,” said Holmes. “That’s where you want to spend your time is making sure the food’s going out.

“I try to spread it out. You don’t want to burn out your volunteers. People typically do 1-2 days a week. A few volunteers show up for everything, which is great.”

Coordinating it all is a labour of love for Holmes.

“Volunteers are different than employees,” she confided. “It’s just a different dynamic. I quite enjoy it. I’m pleased to be able to do this.

“It’s a food-sharing program, ultimately, is what it is. It’s about being a part of the fabric of the community. What we’re doing is building up our community. When we support each other, our community overall will improve.”


@chemainusnews
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca

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The good news for Emily Holmes is the well-stocked shelves inside the Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Emily Holmes carts a load of food into the Chemainus United Church Hall from the Harvest House Food Bank next door. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Emily Holmes steers a cart full of food around the narrow space inside the Harvest House Food Bank. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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