Sept. 19-23 is Hunger Awareness week in Canada.
According to Erin Katerynych, executive director of the Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund and Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre (food bank), more than 2,300 individuals in the Battlefords came to the food bank for assistance in August.
She is encouraging everyone in the community to visit www.hungerawarenessweek.ca to learn how to help “Draw the Line on Hunger” and to learn more about the issue of hunger in the community.
The Empty Stocking Fund is a registered charity that exists in partnership with the community to provide emergency food from the food bank and other services and programs. The aim is to assist those affected by poverty in the Battlefords.
Programs include:
- Christmas hampers: giving Christmas food hampers and toys to families in need;
- Food for kids: giving food to elementary students from food insecure households, every Friday;
- Milk for kids: providing fresh milk to families with children;
- Coats for kids: the collection of winter clothing for children;
- Income tax preparation: free income tax service for low-income households;
- Plant a Row Grow a Row: encouraging gardeners in the community to grow a bit extra for the food bank;
- Fine option program: assist individuals with finding a community service opportunity.
“We uphold the principles of integrity, justice, charity and compassion, and the dignity of human life,” Katerynych said in a statement
“We realize that everyone will be in need at some time and we commit ourselves to be there to serve. We continue to strive to understand and meet the needs of our donors and clients in the spirit of competence and compassion.”
Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre is a member of Food Banks of Saskatchewan and an affiliate member of Food Banks Canada and are regulated by the ethical codes of these associations.
The organization is located at 1171-101st St. in North Battleford. The administrative office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. The food bank is open from 10 a.m. to noon five days a week, Monday through Friday.
