CALEDONIA—School snacks, shampoo, and support is just part of what the Caledonia and District Food Bank is working hard to provide as the need in the community continues to grow.
“We assisted 418 people in May,” said Dorette Allemang, manager of the food bank. “That’s 175 children and 243 adults from 85 households.”
The number represents a steep increase over previous months, and many of the visitors are either brand new or returning for the first time in years.
“The cost of everything is sky-high right now. Groceries are a big one,” she said. “If people can get free groceries twice a month, that saves a lot. They can put that money toward rent instead.”
While the food bank encourages visits every other week to help stretch its resources, those struggling with housing insecurity or special circumstances are welcome to come more frequently. Allemang notes that the organization has also seen an uptick in houseless clients.
Despite the mounting need, she’s not discouraged: “I just take it one week at a time,” she said. “We’re fortunate people continue to donate. We get monetary donations, too, so we’re able to go out and buy what we need.”
But the logistics have become more demanding. The food bank team is now grocery shopping weekly to fill gaps in donations. Even with large-scale drives like the Townwide Food Drive, it’s only about a month before supplies dwindle again.
The Caledonia and District Food Bank benefits from partnerships with local grocers and national programs to help fill the gaps. Food Basics participates in a “One More Bite” program through Feed Ontario that allows the food bank to receive frozen meat that didn’t sell but remains safely consumable.
Fresh produce is also in the mix, especially during summer.
“(Richardson’s Farm and Market) in Dunnville donated strawberries the last several weeks,” said Allemang. “And there’s a lovely young woman named Emily – she comes every Thursday with produce from her own garden.”
The food bank takes pride in offering more than just canned goods. Weekly purchases and donations of meat, produce, and dairy – like the weekly yogurt deliveries from a long-time volunteer – mean clients receive fresh options along with pantry staples.
School-aged children are also a focus.
“We try to give extras to families with kids – things like children’s school snacks and juice boxes,” Allemang said.
The Caledonia and District Food Bank has about 12 regular volunteers, some of whom have been involved for over 30 years.
“They’re very committed and dedicated,” Allemang said. “They roll with the times. Things change, and you have to adapt.”
That spirit of adaptation extends to a wide range of wraparound services located in the same building at 103 Inverness Street. Clients can visit the clothing closet, access Ontario Works services, and eat a free lunch at the adjacent café, all under one roof.
“The community support centre has really become a hub,” said Allemang. “There’s even free counselling and cooking classes.”
Back-to-school support is also on the horizon. A volunteer-run backpack program is set to launch soon, providing new backpacks stocked with school supplies for children returning to school in the fall.
Still, the food bank’s most pressing need is replenishing its shelves. The current wish list includes peanut butter, cereal, canned tomatoes, pasta sauce, crackers, canned meat, canned fruit, apple juice, juice boxes, sugar, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, pads and tampons, laundry soap, and school snacks. Unfortunately, homemade food items cannot be accepted.
Non-perishable donations can be dropped off Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the food bank. For perishable donations, donors are asked to call ahead at 905-765-9287. Groups planning to deliver larger amounts are also encouraged to coordinate with staff in advance.
“There’s no big food drive on the horizon right now,” said Allemang. “So if people are looking for a way to help, just bringing something off that list can go a long way.”
The full list of most-needed items and donation details can be found on the food bank’s website, online at caledoniafoodbank.ca.
