The Thistletown Food Bank is hungry for donations
Since 1973, the Thistletown Food Bank has helped feed its community members. But nowadays the organization finds it harder to serve them to its fullest potential.
“Right now we’re not getting enough food,” said Eda Black, the supervisor of the food bank. “Donations are down.”
The food bank receives food donations through three sources: the North York Harvest, Second Harvest and donations from the general public.
“North York Harvest doesn’t have a lot of food to send us because things are bad… food is scarce,” said Black who has been with the food bank for 13 years. “So we’re not getting the volume that we really need to serve the people better.”
In addition to this, public donations have gone down as well. “Quite a few people here told me that they used to donate,” said Black “A lot of people who used to donate, they’re now clients of food banks.”
Despite the current shortage of food, Thistletown Food Bank operates on a weekly basis every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
A supervisor who didn’t wish to be identified said the food bank serves an estimated of 35 – 50 families per day; and on estimate feeds about 1,400 people per month.
“There isn’t a certain type of people, anybody that needs food comes,” said Phillip Cooney who volunteers at the food bank. “There’s different ages, different social groups, different races, everything” he said, while sorting piles of food that would be given to people later in the day.
Anthony Smith, a young man who is unable to work due to health reasons said that the “help is always good, so it’s appreciated.”
Not only does Thistletown Food Bank offer aid in the form of food, but the organization is also a major resource facility. “The resources are the most important; they tell people about what’s in the area, upcoming events” said Smith. Looking around the food bank many pamphlets and posters can be seen, detailing additional aid and programs for those who need the extra help.
The not-for-profit food bank operates under Thistletown Community Services and also accepts other types of donations. “Any money can helps us out to buy food,” said Black.
Donations can be made at 246 Jamestown Cres..
All types of non-perishable food items are welcomed. For more information the food bank can be reached at 416-745-2822, or through its website.
About the Author
Solomee Telahun is a journalism student who likes to think she's sort of a cool eclectic, but is promptly (and humbly) told the opposite by her mom. Until then she is a musically untalented nerd that just wants to share her music taste with the world.
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