As inflation creeps in and the cost of food rises, the harder it is for some individuals and families to make ends meet.
These factors also can impact how much food a community food bank can purchase. Tying all these things together, spring is an excellent time to donate and local grocers continue collecting food and monetary donations for the Swan Valley Food Bank (SVFB).
The SVFB is preparing for the time of year when they have to look at purchasing more items to meet the needs of people who use their service.
“Our numbers appear to be relatively consistent, but summer is typically when we need to purchase more groceries,” said SVFB Treasurer Phyllis Hunt. “It could possibly be because people are moving from town to town during better weather. There has been a slight increase in people coming to the food bank, but we anticipate that these numbers will rise due to the cost of food and fuel increasing.”
Along with a Spring Food Drive happening now until Easter at Extra Foods, there are donation boxes set up regularly at both grocery stores, where people can drop off items for the SVFB.
“There are donation boxes at both Extra Foods and the Swan Valley Consumer’s Co-op (SVCC),” said Hunt. “The SVCC has hunger bags put together for individuals to buy and donate to us and Extra Foods is doing a Spring Food Drive, which started last week. Plus we have other corporate sponsors, churches and many individuals who also donate on a regular basis.”
Non-perishable items are key to donate when giving to the food bank, but there are some items that are really needed for giving out.
The SVFB is open every week for certain items and provides a hamper each month to those in need.
“Items such as canned fruit, vegetables, meat, pork & beans, rice, soup, pasta and pasta sauce are really needed for the SVFB,” said Hunt. “We’re open every Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. For three weeks of the month, we give out bread and pastry, as well as specific needed items, if we have them in stock. Then a hamper box is given out once per month. We average 70 family and 65 singles boxes each month.
“We have a total of 14 volunteers who either work on Thursday and/or do regular pickups from Extra Foods and SVCC each week. Last year, the donated food from corporate, churches, clubs, schools and individuals totalled 74,046 lbs.
We appreciate so much the support of our community, whether financially or in donations of food,” said Hunt. “We couldn't continue this important work without all of you.”