East Wellington Community Services launched Hunger Awareness Week on May 5, 2014, asking the local community to participate and raise hunger awareness through our Say It, Show It, Share It campaign.
The week-long initiative challenged Canadians to learn more about the issue of hunger and the important work of food banks, including the food banks in Erin and Rockwood operated by East Wellington Community Services (EWCS).
Hunger Awareness Week was a great way for East Wellington Community Services to reach out to our community members and show awareness about those who support the food bank in many ways… not just during hunger awareness week but all year long. “It is incredibly evident that our community works extremely hard to reduce hunger in East Wellington,” said Alyssa Cunningham, Care Coordinator with EWCS.
“Margaret Mead once said ‘Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has’.This quote is so true for all of us right here in East Wellington as the community has made such a positive change in the lives of more than 1170 individuals in 2014 – that is more than 700 adults and 400 children.”
There is not one single name or organization that helps eliminate hunger but rather our community works together as a collaborative team to make sure our children, families, and seniors who are at risk do not go hungry.
Hunger is often a hidden issue and EWCS and the community worked hard last week to give this issue a voice by raising awareness and the importance of food banks. In particular, there is a focus to on the awareness that the users of the food bank are generally not who you may think would need assistance from a food bank for food support.
“Would you guess that one third of food bank users served by a food bank are those aged 18 and under and recent graduates, or that the number of senior’s accessing a food bank are growing each year?” said Barb Carscadden, Coordinator Community Support.
“I’m often asked ‘who uses the food bank program?’ and the answer really is it can be anyone at anytime. From friends, neighbors, seniors, those between jobs and those who may be working but still can’t make ends meet. The program is here for those who need it and our user profile is quite varied. It’s often not someone you may think would require the service.”
Together, the East Wellington community is making an impact on the solvable issue of hunger in the community.
The food bank program accepts donations through our offices at 106 Church Street in Rockwood or 45 Main Street in Erin or through the Senior’s Room at Centre 2000 in Erin (14 Boland Drive).
Food items that are always needed include hearty soups, cereal, pasta & sauce, canned meat, fruit and vegetables, jam, peanut butter, crackers and healthy choices children’s school snacks.
For more information on the East Wellington Community Services Food Bank program and how you can help, contact: EWCS Erin Office – Alyssa at 519-833-9696 or EWCS Rockwood Office – Barb at 519-856-2113
