It's that time of year again when residents start pulling out their canned goods from pantry cupboards to donate to the local food bank.
Bradford’s Helping Hand Food Bank shares they have been "very happy"to receive food donations already, and just in time for the food bank’s holiday hamper program.
“It has been amazing to see our little community step up and offer to help,” shares Carolyn Khan, president of the Helping Hand Food Bank. “We are seeing another increase in the number of clients served, with numbers similar to the first lockdown.”
Khan projects seeing the number of client intakes rise as CRB payments come to an end this month.
Some of Bradford’s local grocery stores are already putting together bags of non-perishable food items for customers to purchase with their regular groceries, conveniently located near check-out tills.
“Items like past sauce, pasta, Kraft Dinner, crackers, canned fruits and vegetables have been put in these bags and they have been fabulous as they are staple items that we hand out regularly,” explains Khan. “Other stores have asked customers to donate at the till, which is another excellent way for us to receive much-needed funds so we can then go and purchase food too.”
Khan adds that many local community groups and churches have also begun holding food drives in support of the Helping Hand Food Bank, and staff and volunteers at the bank greatly appreciate the extra help.
“We want to reassure people right here in Bradford that if they are struggling financially, we are here to help them,” encourages Khan. “We often hear potential clients say that they feel guilty for taking food from someone who 'really needs it' – Anyone who needs food, needs to come and see us. End of story. We are here to lend a helping hand (pun intended) to anyone who needs it.”
Anyone looking to sign up for the holiday hamper program can visit the Helping Hand Food Bank in person at 123 Moore St. Bradford. Please ensure to bring a piece of ID to register.
For more information about the Helping Hand Food Bank, visit: here.
You can also reach out by email at [email protected] or by phone: 905-775-2824.
