Officials say there is a 20 to 50 per cent shortfall of various items at the food bank in Rockwood.
“We need to get the word out that the need continues all year round,” said Rick Eller, a manager with East Wellington Community Services (EWCS), which runs the food banks in Rockwood and Erin.
Eller, who appeared as part of a EWCS delegation at the July 8 Guelph-Eramosa council meeting, noted people are always generous around holidays – including Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving – but many may not realize the extent of the ongoing need.
In fact, to meet the demand in Rockwood, EWCS officials have had to use food from food banks in Erin, Guelph and Waterloo.
Eller explained that between Jan. 1 and July 1 of this year the Rockwood food bank has distributed 11,149 pounds of food valued at $27,873 (which works out to a cost of $2.50 per pound) to 80 families comprised of 202 individuals (110 adults and 92 children).
Eller said thanks to the ongoing financial support of Guelph-Eramosa Township, which increased this year from $10,000 to $16,000, EWCS has been able to purchase a new weigh scale and sign and will be purchasing a new chest freezer and stand up refrigerator/freezer.
“We are able to spend more on direct programming thanks to the waiving of the rent for the food bank (located at 106 Church Street) in Rockwood,” Eller also noted.
Councillor John Scott asked what could be done to improve service at the food bank, to which Eller replied the most important thing is spreading the word about the need. He noted the Rockwood food bank is particularly low on canned goods and vegetables.
Councillor Corey Woods thanked food bank officials for their work and noted the actual need for the service is hard to measure because many people do not want to ask for help, even when it is needed.
Mayor Chris White agreed and also thanked Eller and the food bank for their hard work.
“I don’t know what we’d do without it,” said White.
As part of his presentation, Eller also outlined EWCS’ three-year strategic plan. He said EWCS hopes to work in cooperation with the township to meet the goals of the plan, which includes improving services and activities for seniors.
White noted the township is currently discussing the findings of its recently-completed parks and recreation master plan, including the need to improve seniors services and activities. The mayor noted the first step is to establish a location where those items can be offered.
