It hardly seems possible that 2013 is drawing to a close. The North Huron Food Share would like to extend our THANKS at this Christmas season to each and every one, who over the year has continued to support our cause. The continuing generosity of you, our donors, when approached to support the Food Share, shows the thoughtful & caring compassion that the local small towns and rural areas have for the less fortunate. The numbers and sizes of the donations from individuals, churches, service clubs etc., this festive season, are truly appreciated.

We have seen another increase in our clientele over last year but we are striving to maintain the level of food distribution to our clients. We have been able to once again, give turkeys and hams to our clients at this Christmas Season. On Dec. 4th, we set a dubious record of having 53 families come to the Food Share, with the rest of the month still to go. I think that it’s important that people realize that we only SUPPLEMENT the client’s existing food and they can access the Food Share only once a month. A family of four will receive approximately $130 worth of food or roughly one week’s groceries. We had 10 new families come to the Food Share this month. These are not new families moving to Wingham & area, rather families that now find themselves a little short of food at the end of the month. It takes a lot of soul searching to finally admit that you need to come to the Food Share for assistance.

The directors of the North Huron Community Food Share are continuing to come up with new ideas for Food Drives etc. We seem to be preaching the same message, every time I write an editorial, but the facts remain, we are in constant need of food or monetary donations. When you visualize how much food 53 families require, based on the information that was mentioned earlier in this article, the demand is almost impossible to keep up to.  I am proud to once again mention that our directors and volunteers, are not paid for their valuable service to the Food Share. All the non-perishable food & monies donated to us, stay right here at the Food Share. We have an amazing relationship with the local food stores in Wingham and the surrounding towns. They make us aware weeks in advance of specials, so we can make our dollar go as far as possible. We believe in shopping “at home” to support our local stores and their employees, as these are also the same people who support our cause. Check out our website (www.nhfoodshare.ca) Please know that by your continuing donations, you are helping someone’s Christmas season a little better.

My all time favourite movie and especially at this time of year is “Scrooge”. I leave you with the immortal last words spoken by Tiny Tim….”God Bless Us, Everyone”

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the North Huron Community Food Share

Thank you goes out to the following groups:

1. Blyth CRC Church who brought enough food in to cover both of our tables to overflowing
2. Adrianna Frey (daughter of Lisa & Werner Frey) who brought in a cheque for $200. Friends and family raised money for her to have a special bike and the remaining money was donated to us.
3. BDO bought a 4H steer and are having it butchered with half going to the Food Share and half to the Salvation Army
4. The Wroxeter Sunday school brought in 180 lbs of food
5. Teewater Kinsmen orchestrated a door to door campaign and brought in enough food to cover our tables
6. A Church in Monkton kindly donated $3000 to the North Huron Community Food Share
7. The Brussels Leo Club had a food drive and brought in over 9 huge totes of food!! Amazing!
8. Howick Minor Hockey had a food campaign and was able to gather lots of food for us
9. We picked up 20 “$10” bags from the Lucknow Knechtel Store
10. Last but certainly not least another big thank you to the kids and teachers of all the local schools for their participation in the STuff the Bus Campaign. As well we couldn’t have pull this together without the support of Montgomery Bus Lines – staff and drivers and each of the local grocery stores – you guys ROCK!! A BIG thank you to each and every one of you that took the time to hit the local grocery stores and donated food during this Thanksgiving drive. We couldn’t have done it without you.

WOW – we are so grateful to live in a community that takes the time to put the needs of others ahead of themselves. Each small donation adds up and does make a difference in the lives of many adults and children. Keep up the amazing work that you do.

The following is a list of the most need items for the Food Share today (Nov 1st):

• Healthy Lunch Snacks
• Feminine Hygiene products
• Toothbrushes-toothpaste
• Shampoo-conditioner
• Side Kicks
• Baby diapers and formula
• Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, relish
• Birthday candles, balloons, cake mixes

The North Huron Food Share is a registered not-for-profit organization, which is funded by donations from businesses, community groups & associations, as well as individuals.  The need for food is growing everyday by people on fixed incomes, the elderly and low income families.

In the first 3 months of 2013, 350 housesholds, which includes 508 adults and 452 children accessed the North Huron Community Food Share.  In addition, the Food Share has also had 31 new families needing assistance over and above our current households.  In May alone, we had 10 new families.  The need continues to grow and with your support, together we can make a difference so no one goes hungry.

STATS FOR MAY:  120 HOUSEHOLDS WHICH TRANSLATES INTO 189 ADULTS, 143 CHILDREN AND 34 CHILDREN OVER 18 STILL LEAVING AT HOME = 366 PEOPLE

Our food hampers provide canned, fresh and frozen food to individuals and families.  Our hampers typically provide enough food for 4-5 days and the Food Share can be accessed once a month.

The Food Share is always looking for partners and volunteers in the community to helps us work towards our goal of eliminating hunger in our local counties.  When we all work together, by providing financial contribution or donation of time or resources, we are one step closer to reaching this goal.

Every year, in partnership with Food Banks Canada, the members of Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) participate in a national survey on hunger in Canada. This survey is completed by our members who collect data on food bank usage during the month of March in Ontario. The Hunger Count is then released every fall by Food Banks Canada which includes overview of survey results, analysis, and policy recommendations. Based on the 2012 survey, the following has been determined:

• 412,998 individuals accessed Ontario food banks in March 2012
• 38.7% of food bank users, or 159,918 individuals, were children (11,737 more children than in March 2011)
• 44.6 % of all food bank users were women over 18 years of age
• 174,618 households were served by food banks (9.8% of which were first time users)
• 42.8% of food bank users were on social assistance
• 27.3% of food bank users were on disability support
• 64.5% of food bank users were low-income, rental market tenants
• 19.2% of food banks ran out of nutritious food during the month

A group of Wingham area residents had a HUGE YARD SALE on Saturday May 11th from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.

They were able to donate $830.00 to the Food Share.

This report is a must read! Click here to view the Real Cost of Eating in Huron Country report.

 

We are pleased to announce that Economical Insurance has recently made a donation of $500 to the Food Share. The donation will be used towards the purchase of anti-fatigue mats for the volunteers servings our clients.  Picture to follow shortly.

Founded in 1871, Economical Insurance® is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies in Canada, providing security and support for our customers and broker partners from coast to coast.

April 19 – May 3, 2013

Dean’s ValuMart continues to support the North Huron Community Food Share to help fight hunger in the Wingham & Area community. This Food Drive runs from Apr. 19th until May 3rd. Food banks provide our neighbours in need with food essentials, a need which becomes increasingly critical in the spring as donations received during the holiday season deplete. To help address the need for donations, Dean’s ValuMart store is calling on the entire Wingham community to donate non-perishable food items and funds at the checkout.
“We believe we have a responsibility to help in the fight against hunger in the Wingham & area community” says Sue Hoskins, store manager at Deans ValuMart. “we know that food & funds are needed and with the support and generosity of our customers and store employees, we know we can make a difference for those in need at the North Huron Community Food Share”.

According to Deans ValuMart who is partnering with the North Huron Community Food Share, an estimated 350 households, which include 508 adults, and 452 children have used the Food Share in the first 3 months of 2013. In addition the Food Share has also had 31 new families need assistance in the same time period. In April alone we have had 14 new families need our assistance….Now we need your assistance.

“We continue to experience a high number of people accessing our services” says Joyce Johnston, operations manager at the Food Share. “Deans ValuMart EXTRA HELPING Spring Food Drive campaign provides an opportunity for the community to continue to show their support for those in need. We  are exceptionally grateful for the investment made by Deans ValuMart store, their customers and employees for their donations and continuing support of the North Huron Community Food Share”.

What should customers add to their shopping lists? According to the Food Share, they really need school lunch items such as drinking boxes, granola bars, pudding cups, cheese and crackers etc. as schools are peanut free and parents can’t send the “go to food” staple of peanut butter sandwiches. Other needed items include pasta and sauce, whole grain cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, canned fish or meat or beans.

One hundred percent of food donations and 85% of cash donations will go directly to the North Huron Community Food Share, while the remaining 15% of donated cash will support provincial food bank programs. Loblaw’s local food drive is part of a larger national food drive thast includes all of the corporate and franchise store banners. In 2012 customers raise more than $1.8 million in funds and over 2 million pounds of food for food banks across the country. This year, with the community’s support and generosity, we hope to better that amount.

Loblaws and and its franchised stores are committed to be active in communities at the local, regional and national levels and the Company views this as an integral component to the success of its business. A commitment to make a positive difference in our community starts at home such as helping the North Huron Community Food Share.