To the Editor,
Re: Food bank’s shelves not council’s concern, Letters, Jan. 15.
The information and statistics the writer uses to support his position that the food bank shelves are not council’s concern are misleading and incomplete.
The request for support from the City of Nanaimo made by Loaves and Fishes food bank was based on the lack of infrastructure available to handle food in a safe, efficient way. While the fact that one in 13 people in Nanaimo (over 7,800 different people in 2014) use the food bank at some point in the year provided context, it was the abundance of food available that was the impetus for acquiring a larger facility. This abundance of food is the direct result of the innovative Food 4U Food Recovery Program. This program provides local grocery stores with an opportunity to donate perishable food instead of throwing it out. It is no secret that the City of Nanaimo is looking for ways to reduce waste ending up in the landfill. The Food 4U program redirected 137,787 kilograms of food in 2014 alone. The city’s investment of $275,000 will allow this program to be expanded. Reductions in waste, especially on this scale, are council’s concern as they have positive financial benefits for all citizens of Nanaimo.
City council has wisely chosen to invest in an organization that not only provides significant benefit to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, but also one that reduces our reliance on waste disposal.
Peter Sinclairexecutive directorLoaves and Fishes
To the Editor,
Re: Food bank’s shelves not council’s concern, Letters, Jan. 15.
According to the letter writer, “social support is the responsibility of the provincial government supplemented by donations from individuals.”
True – until 2002, when Premier Gordon Campbell tore a strip off B.C.’s social services, e.g. disability support.
Much as I disagree with city councillors spending my hard-earned money on most things (e.g. conference centre, Colliery dams), I’m glad they have enough heart to support the food bank.
Christel MartinNanaimo
