Giving thanks that we can give
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Traditionally, the start of the Christmas season — soon after Halloween — is when campaigns to support the hungry and underprivileged kick into high gear.
Before sitting down to a special meal this Thanksgiving weekend, take a moment to think about how easy it is to take for granted that we have enough to eat on a daily basis.
For families and individuals in our Capital Region communities, the prospect of having a little more to eat for Thanksgiving may be just as bleak as it is at any other time of year.
Food bank usage has risen dramatically over the past year.
The Mustard Seed Food Bank, which services the region’s four core municipalities, has seen its monthly client base rise to 7,200 people from 5,000 in the past year. That includes roughly 1,650 children under 12.
On the West Shore, the Goldstream Food Bank’s numbers for September have jumped from 724 to 924 this year.
Remember, it’s generally not people living on the street who use food banks. It’s working families living on the edge, seniors on limited incomes and others who have little left over after rent and bills are paid.
It’s times like this when it’s good to think about donating some of the extra canned or packaged goods in your pantry, leftover fruit from your trees or other food items that you have stored away for future use.
Donating cash is good, too. Every dollar donated translates into $2 of purchasing power for a food bank, which can often leverage it with donations from grocers and food producers. And for those unable to offer food or money, you can support local food banks by volunteering.
It’s unfortunate food banks are necessary in a such a wealthy city, province and country, but for a broad swath of society they are a critical for survival.
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