Everyone who comes to us for food will get some’: Alliston food bank asks for support
With the price of food, housing and other expenses continuing to soar, and wages failing to keep pace with inflation, more and more residents are turning to their local food bank for help, including the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Alliston.
The situation for the food bank at 52 Wellington St. W. continues to be very challenging, according to vice president Dave Bradbury. “The Good Shepherd Food Bank of Alliston is asking for any help you can give us, asking our community for more support,” he said.
“Our food bank has been in operation since 1994, helping provide nutritious food to those in a time of need.” He said the demand for services has “increased dramatically” for many reasons. “Most of those who come to us are on minimum wages, social assistance, pension or on disability,” he said.
“Also increased rents, interest rates, food costs and fuel costs have affected the number of people who rely on our services. All local food banks are experiencing the same increase in demand of approximately 60 per cent this year. Our food costs have more than doubled over the last few months alone.”
Bradbury said the food bank made changes to its client-intake process, removing the requirement of financial information. “Everyone who comes to us for food will get some,” he said. “We only ask that people bring valid ID for themselves and members of their household, who are included in their order, to register with us. They must also reside in our service area.”
While times are tough, he said the community has been very supportive of their efforts.
The food bank is reminding the community about two of its upcoming food drives: The first one, Landmark’s Fill the Bus food drive, takes place Oct. 1 at the Zehrs at 30 King St. S. in Alliston. Two more drives will take place Oct. 7 and 8, also at Zehrs.
For more information, visit the food bank’s website at goodshepherdfoodbankalliston.org or its Facebook and Instagram pages.