Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 158
Food Bank
1/5/2019 at 11:53 AM
A point I'd like to make related to this. The food bank is a great place and has saved me and many I know from starving many times. I've been on provincial Disability for 10+ years. (yes actually disabled, not a leech) However, it has it's limitations.
People seem to think and always suggest the food bank for people in poverty situations., but it isn't the one stop cure all some people seem to think it is. "Just go to the food bank duh!" etc.
First off, you can go to the food bank once every two weeks for a hamper. Secondly, they can not afford and never have been able to actually give you near enough food for two weeks. For a single person about two grocery bags, mostly canned goods, breads, dry goods. No refrigerated items, few bulk items, no meat besides canned or lentils etc. I'm not blaming them in any way, they help as much as they can with the donations they get, but you definitely need to supplement it heavily with other sources.
Now I'm an average man 6 feet 200 lbs and can survive off of rice and beans when I have to. Have many times. am right now for the next week. I'm NOT extravagant in my tastes nor over eat.
The foodbank in Brandon is constantly struggling to keep up with demand and the population and poverty in Brandon is only getting worse. I've been homeless. (5 years ago now) I know very well how much good food gets thrown out by these grocery stores for reasons I'll let you figure out. It would be awesome if more of it could make it's way to the food bank. I try not to use the food bank too often, like 3 or 4 times a year, because I know others are in way worse situations in Brandon then I am and need it more. I use it when I absolutely have to.
Just some thoughts that I don't see talked about too often.