THE TERRACE Churches Food Bank started off its first month open this fall with shelves stacked with the most items ever.
And everyone went away with bags of food that were filled a bit more than usual thanks to the abundance of items the food bank had been given.
“Needless to say, we had lots and lots of product so people really got their bags full this time around,” said food bank vice-president John Wiebenga.
“They always do [have a full bag] but sometimes it’s better than other times.”
The food bank received 400 pounds of potatoes and about 50 pounds of carrots from the community garden, he said and food drives brought in lots too.
The food bank also had more of the basics like coffee and sugar, which it doesn’t always have to give out, he said.
“But again thanks to the generosity of the community over the summer, we had everything and we have lots,” said Wiebenga.
He stressed that even though the food bank has some food items stacked to the ceiling right now, it still needs donations as the food will go quickly.
“It looks great but a lot of that stuff, give it two or three months and there will be a lot of holes [on shelves],” he said.
“By no means do we say stop giving.
“This is the first month and we’re open for nine months and there will be lots of need come wintertime I’m sure.”
Volunteers handed out 549 bags of food to about 250 to 275 families, about the same as October 2010, but saw more single people than this time last year.
“Family-wise we had a lot more singles this time than I think of any of the times [the food bank is open],” said Wiebenga.
“Why I don’t know but there was definitely a lot more singles.”
There were fewer families with children so that was good, he added.
The next food bank week will be Nov. 14 to 17.