At their March 28 regular noon meeting, the Westlock Rotary Club donated $4,000 to the Westlock & District Food Bank. Accepting the donation was Sharon Kennedy, president of the food bank for the past 11 of her 16 years with the organization.
“We spend between $8,000 and $10,000 per month to keep enough food to keep our food bank open,” Kennedy said.
The food bank keeps track of how many persons are helped by the food bank, and Kennedy gave a report of the past three years.
In 2021, the food bank gave out 1,275 hampers, serving 3,102 persons, including 773 children and 363 seniors.
In 2022, which she said was a really tough year for people, 1,666 hampers were given out, serving 4,220 persons, including 1,114 children and 405 seniors.
In 2023, the number dropped back slightly to 1,546 hampers, and the number of people served was 3,673, with just 224 seniors served. But the number of children supported jumped slightly to 1,125.
“The food bank has been serving the community for 39 years, and next year will be the 40th. We operate out of the east end of the Westlock Memorial Hall (and are) open every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.,” and added, “Clients can come once every 28 days.”
Food and other essentials are purchased each week from the local grocery stores, along with donated items and cash from individuals, other businesses and clubs and service groups in the area, she added. They also receive some food from Food Banks Alberta each month to help keep up with the growing demand.
Currently, the Westlock & District Food Bank has 14 volunteers helping out each week. However, two gentlemen who have been picking up groceries Monday and Tuesday mornings are finding it necessary for them to “retire” in the near future. Kennedy says she is looking for at least two persons to volunteer to take on this task Monday and Tuesday mornings.
Anyone who has a vehicle and would be interested in helping out can contact her at 780-349-4044. If you don’t get an answer, please leave a message with your name and phone number, and she said she will get back to them as soon as possible.
