For some individuals, basic necessities are tough to purchase with budgets being stretched to their maximum after paying for shelter and utilities.
Luckily, there are some community programs that help individuals who require some extra assistance, not only at Christmas, but year-round.
Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services reminds community members who are struggling about a food collection program available for their use.
The County’s Community Pantry Program is similar to other community’s food bank services, but the three local FCSS offices provide bins and shelves to assist with collecting and dispersing non-perishable goods and garden vegetables to those who are in need.
“Unlike the food bank, the Community Pantry program does not require proof of income for a person to access this service,” says director of Community Services Amber Houle.
“We acknowledge that sometimes people struggle with meeting ends, despite having a job, (or they) may have recently lost their job, navigating divorce, single parents, dealing with a recent injury or disability,” she adds.
“The program is from community for community, and we rely on donations from community members to keep the shelves stocked.”
Houle says the community pantry is available to anyone who resides in Northern Sunrise County or village of Nampa and needs assistance. She adds there is no referral or application process, people can access the items without judgement.
For those who have a little extra to spare, Houle says they accept donations, and the community has been supportive at ensuring food is continually going through the FCSS doors.
The three FCSS locations are in Cadotte Lake, Nampa and St. Isidore.
FCSS tries to ensure the shelves are always stocked with both non-perishable items and hygiene products.
“We are always looking for non-perishables for our program,” says Houle. “We typically run short on hygiene products, diapers, formula, and canned proteins. The Community Pantry Program ensures that our residents have access to food. No one should have to choose between heating their home or putting a meal on their table.”
The program was implemented in 2019, and with rising costs it is expected to continue to be used by community members who are struggling to make ends meet.
She says the offices have seen an influx of people needing to access the Community Pantry Program and seeking assistance accessing other programs and services to help meet their basic needs. There is no application process for the Community Pantry Program, making it easier for individuals or families to access at any time, not just if their income dictates their eligible.
“Recognizing that we all go through struggles in life, donations to our program help families move forward and get their feet back under them,” says Houle.
“You never know what life will bring you and you may end up having to access a similar program to ensure that your family can thrive. By donating, you are helping those in need now, and possibly the future – you.”
If you would like to donate non-perishable items or fresh garden vegetables to the program, please phone the FCSS general inquiries line at (780) 625-3287. The program accepts financial donations and gift cards to local grocery stores, as well as food donations, to help stock the shelves.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter