Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Smoky River Regional Food Bank has received charity status, a big win for both people who use the program and donate to the program.
Smoky River Family and Community Support Services director Crystal Tremblay explains this is a big win for the Smoky River Food Bank board.
“The board for the Smoky River Regional Food Bank has been working hard to make our food bank sustainable for the region,” Tremblay says.
“Obtaining charity status allows us to write receipts to our donors, as well as apply for different grants. This is a big step forward to sustainability for us.”
Tremblay says the ability to receive charitable receipts helps businesses and other individuals receive some tax credit for their donations, often helping to make it more fiscally beneficial to donate.
“We are hoping that with this status we will be able to apply for grants that will allow us to hire a part-time coordinator and make the food bank sustainable in the region,” she says.
“We are short on many items at the moment, including Stove Top Stuffing, kidney beans, peanut butter (small jars), Jello powder, cans of fruit, fruit cups, canned milk, powdered milk, and juice boxes.”
Financial donations are always welcome, allowing food bank organizers to purchase items that are in high demand at the centre.
“There are many people who are struggling to make ends meet, and need assistance to get by,” she notes.
“These are our neighbours, friends and family and we need to be there to support them through the hard times.”
Tremblay says between 10-12 hampers are given out every month at the food bank.
“September is a hard time for families as school supplies are expensive, and winter when the utility bills are needing to be paid,” she says of the months there is the most demand for food bank use.
“The Smoky River Regional Food Bank Society started operating independent from High Prairie and we received not-for-profit status December last year.”
Tremblay says if people are interested in donating food items, the most commonly donated in food hampers includes Hamburger Helper, Stove Top Stuffing, Sidekicks, mashed potatoes, stew, beans, canned vegetables, boxes of macaroni and cheese, instant noodles, cans of meat, soups, pasta, cereal, Cheez Whiz, jam, peanut butter, juice crystals, powdered or canned milk. Personal hygiene items and other non-perishable items are also often paired with the packages.
If you are able to donate, need a food hamper, or would like to be put on the volunteer waiting list, please phone Tremblay at the food bank at (780)837-2220.