A food bank that supports families in Wallaceburg and Walpole Island has been able to respond to a 40% increase in the need for its services thanks to a grant from two local charitable foundations.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Food Bank received a $4,000 grant from the Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund, a donor-advised fund of the CKCF.
The grant was one of many announced by the CKCF last fall.
The food bank has used the grant money to buy non-perishable food and President’s Choice Gift Cards that cover the costs of perishable foods.
Individuals and families are able to access the food bank once every 30 days.
The food bank assisted 931 families in 2023, an increase from 654 families in 2022.
Barb Wysman, Secretary of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Food Bank, said the funding came at a time when need in the community was growing.
“The Society of St. Vincent de Paul appreciates the support given by the Chatham Kent Community Foundation and South Kent Wind,” Wysman said, in a press release.
“This work is very close to our hearts as we are called to help those who are less fortunate. We feel it is our responsibility to extend a helping hand to those who are struggling or facing difficulties. Without these funds we may not be able to support all families in need.”
The Facility Manager for South Kent Wind said it’s important that local corporations help fund community-based programs.
“South Kent Wind is proud to support a tremendous community-run program like the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Bank,” Kevin Aikenhead said, in a media release.
“After seeing the volunteers’ hard work and the help they provide, we are happy to support their efforts.”
Kathryn Biondi, Vice Chair of the Chatham Kent Community Foundation, said the growing need for the services of the food bank prompted the foundation to offer its support.
“What an honour it was to meet the volunteers of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Wallaceburg,” Biondi said, in a press release.
“I was very impressed with their dedication and the very important work they do providing food hampers. They indicated the need is ever increasing, and I’m glad the Foundation could assist.”
In the photo, from left: Kathryn Biondi, Vice Chair, Chatham Kent Community Foundation, Kevin Aikenhead, Facility Manager, South Kent Wind, Cindy Shepley, President, Society of Saint Vincent DePaul Wallaceburg, Kim VanDamme, Treasurer, Society of Saint Vincent DePaul Wallaceburg.
