The year 2016 was a good year for the Sidney Lions Food Bank and so far this year, they are off to a good start.
Due to an unfortunate incident involving an apparent water leak at Fish On Fifth, says Food Bank Executive Director Bev Elder, they were able to benefit from the owners’ kind generosity.
“Instead of throwing everything away they brought it all to us,” she said, adding they are very thankful.
This resulted in the food bank receiving over 500 pounds of potatoes, a couple hundred pounds of carrots, cabbages and other fresh inventory. Just last week, they showed up with some more baked goods as well.
When looking back over 2016, particularly their busy winter months leading up to Christmas, Elder said the annual Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive was over the top.
“We had about 26 pallets of food come in, and last year it was about 22,” said Elder.
The money donated through them was also wonderful, she said. Sidney alone raised around $7,000 and Elder said for every dollar that comes in now, they can buy two or three dollars worth of food.
The food bank was also lucky to be the recipient of the 100 Women Who Care of the Saanich Peninsula donation of $14,000.
“We were very lucky, we’ve had some great donations this year.”
Cash donations also went up in 2016, which they were very happy about.
“Because we were lucky enough to get such great money donations, we’ll be able to hopefully purchase more fresh produce, which is one of the things that’s always lacking,” said Elder.
She said with limited fridge space, it can be tough to keep fresh produce, but if they can buy it on a continuous basis, they can hand it out on a regular basis too.
“We are stocked to the limit right now, which is a great thing to say,” she said.
From what Elder has heard, they are in good shape, as other food banks are saying they’re down in their donations.
“I mean our community supports us like there’s no tomorrow.”
When comparing 2016 to other years, the need has stayed pretty constant, but they’re trying to do better with handing out a better quality of food.
They’re keeping an eye on their expiry dates, and don’t hand out any products that don’t have labels of ingredients on them.
“Even low income want to eat as healthy as possible so we’re trying to promote healthier living.”
With Christmas over, the food bank is now looking ahead to their Breakfast with the Bank, which will take place May 5.
Last year, that event saw 85 people in attendance and raised $20,000 in an hour.
They are currently looking for table captains and anyone interested can call the food bank at 250-655-0679.
