Volunteers are needed to help the team at the Interfaith Food Bank in Lethbridge.
Executive director Danielle McIntyre says rising grocery prices mean usage is also going up at food banks in Canada.
“Across the country, food insecurity is at the highest levels ever recorded, with food bank numbers being at historic [levels] – 2.2 million Canadians are having to access food banks every month,” she tells My Lethbridge Now.
“It took decades to hit one million and just over five years to double that, so that speaks to the vast need that is out there and the changing faces of the people who are having to ask for help from food banks.”
McIntyre adds, “There once was a day where you might be able to pinpoint who would need a food bank, but that just isn’t the case anymore as everyone is having a harder time with the affordability crisis right now.”
She says the local outlet welcomes new volunteers year-round, but during the Christmas season, they “do a lot more fun stuff that you don’t get an opportunity to do at other times of the year”.
The food bank has holiday events set up in November and December, including concerts, hockey games, markets and more that will require assistance, but they are also looking for help on-site with “taking those donations in, [and] getting them packed up into those wonderful Christmas hampers that go out to local families”.
McIntyre believes the Christmas season is an opportune time for those who have thought about volunteering, but have not been sure about making a long-term commitment, to give it a try on a shorter, more seasonal basis.
Some of the current volunteer opportunities include:
- Client Services:Help with reception, process client orders, liftand carry food hampers, assist with data entry and connect clients with community resources;
- Reception: Support the administrative team by accepting donations, making copies, stuffingenvelopes, answering phones, data entry andhelp with fundraising initiatives;
- The Second Door Thrift Store: Sort, check and pricesecond-hand items for sale in the on-site thrift store,and work in the store by helping customers with purchases and ensuring the store is clean and stocked regularly;
- Special Events:Give time preparing for, or attending community events,to collect food and funds and raise awareness for the Interfaith Food Bank.
Casual and short-term opportunities often include two to four-hour shifts at different locations across the city. Groups are also welcome to volunteer their time as a team.
McIntyre notes that the on-site operational volunteer roles include training, and helpers should be prepared to commit three to four-hour shifts, weekday mornings and afternoons.
“We don’t have the opportunity for people to just walk in and volunteer at the moment, because we do train our volunteers, so we encourage people if they are interested – reach out as soon as possible,” she comments, adding a thank you to the entire community.
“We are so grateful to be sustained by community donations of food, funds, and time. This is the time of year that other people really step up, want to think of others and do something good for the community and we are a great place to start, so we encourage people to connect with us as soon as they’re able to.”
Further inquiries can be directed to volunteer supervisor Jessica Gelata at 403-320-8779 or volunteer@interfaithfoodbank.ca. Additional information is on the food bank’s website.
