The Espanola Helping Hand Food Bank is hosting an open house in early November.
Volunteer Grant Lewis says the bank has been open for over 30 years and provides food and sundries to the wider community as well as to the Espanola High School Backpack and Pantry Program and weekly deliveries to local social services.
He adds they also help local churches with weekly luncheons and supports other food banks along the North Shore Corridor.
Lewis says over the months of July, August, and September they assisted 326 households, 390 adults and 220 children spending almost $25,000 to fill the shelves.
Lewis adds they are hosting an open house on Monday, November 3rd from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to provide the public with a tour of their facilities located in Espanola’s downtown next door the Northern Credit Union, and to highlight their programs.
He emphasizes they always buy local, and their sources provided them with supports at reduced prices to assist them in the work they do.
The first Food Bank opened in the southern United States in a small city called St. Mary’s.
The first Food Bank in Canada opened in 1981 in Edmonton, Alberta.
He says in both cases, they were to be temporary, but that didn’t happen and for far too many families, their local food bank is an absolute necessity.
Since they are associated with Food Banks Canada, Lewis says they do receive government funding, and as part of that obligation release quarterly reports with the number of clients they have served, the amount of food provided, and the funds spent on purchasing food stuffs.
He adds Espanola is a small town with a huge heart, and the food banks volunteers are amazed by the constant support through food drives, such as the Stuff the Bus campaign, and donations that keep them in business.
He encourages everyone to come out and take in the open house and thanks everyone in advance for their support.
