Summer slump in food donations hits Woodstock Salvation Army Food Bank

The team from The Woodstock Salvation Army food bank are happy to serve the community. (Alex Hunt Photo)

Alex Hunt, Echo Contributor

Despite steady numbers of people using its services, the Woodstock Salvation Army food bank is facing a drop in donations this summer, prompting a call for community support to restock essential items.

“I have heard that other food banks have been seeing an increased need in food but not in Woodstock. We have not seen an increased need in the number of people that we are serving but our donations are down,” said Major Kristen Adams, Corps and Community Ministries Officer at the Salvation Army Woodstock Community Church.

Major Adams said that the organization sees lots of donations coming at celebratory times of years, mostly during Christmas and Thanksgiving. She explained people are busy during the summer doing other things and not necessarily bringing in donations, a common pattern throughout the years.

“One thing that we are seeing that we are very appreciative about is that we are seeing people bring produce in from their gardens, we are incredibly grateful for that. If people have access to their gardens, like tomatoes, cucumbers or anything really. We always welcome those products.”

She explained they are purchasing a lot of canned products, along with rice and Kraft Dinner because they have a suitable stock.

We don’t have enough for those right now. With a food drive we can stock up on those items. We encourage the community to donate with mandatory donations which allows us to purchase the items that we need.”

Major Adams said the organization is always looking for food drive opportunities with community partners. She encouraged businesses that are interested in doing so to reach out to the Salvation Army beforehand and inquire if the food bank is in need, to ensure proceeds are used to replenish a low or out of stock necessity item.

“The need does not relate to a specific demographic, the need is across all demographics, young and old, different cultures, people that never used the foodbank before and are not because of the cost of groceries. Unfortunately, food insecurity is not prejudicial.”

She added the reality is food is a necessity of life.

“Everybody needs food, there is no discrimination to who is in need. We are happy to be able to provide that resource as much as we’re able to. We are so grateful for all the donors that make it possible for us to do what we do.”

Those interested in donating can do so by visiting the website at woodstocksalvationarmy.ca or by dropping by in-person the Salvation Army on 769 Juliana Drive between the 9 to 5 operating hours. For more information call 519-539-9345.