Major Len Millar of the Estevan Salvation Army usually looks at life as being a glass half-full, not half-empty. But when the glass is 80 per cent empty, he's not enjoying the odds.
That's the situation with the Salvation Army operated food bank right now. It's at 20 per cent of where it needs to be and that gives the affable Millar a touch of angst.
"Around Christmas it was at 100 per cent. The Canada Post food drive boosted it again over winter and we were still around 90 per cent after January, but at the same time, we're now 30 per cent busier. We have had a lot of first-timers come to visit the food bank and again, one of the big problems is the affordable housing issue. Some people have to make the decision to pay the rent or buy food, but can't do both, at least until they get that first or second paycheque. We're here to help tide them over until they get paid," said Millar.
From January through April, the local food bank provided direct food hampers for about 100 families, or 350 people. Millar said that represented about $21,000 in value whereas in 2011, it was between $14,000 and $15,000.
"We get daily donations from some food stores, especially bread and buns. We've given away as little as 800 loaves a month and as much as 5,000 a month. For bread and buns, we just put them out in the front foyer for anyone who feels they need to have it. We're not asking any questions. We just ask that they take no more than two or three loaves each," said Millar.
The average uptake in the free bread offering is around 2,000 loaves a month. They restock the bread shelves twice a day and Millar said it's often seniors or some of the working poor who wouldn't necessarily qualify for a full hamper, but just need to make a sandwich or two to take to work.
"Some of our churches are steady contributors as are some schools where they have been conducting penny challenges with the funds collected being donated to the food bank.
"We do have enough coffee and breakfast cereals currently, but you could name pretty well anything else and we need it," said the Major. "We're not desperate or panicky yet, but it's getting close and the city is expecting a fresh inflow of workers pretty soon, so I don't expect the demand to go down."
When the garden produce starts to come in, the Army has to handle it the same way as the bread. They can't include it with the regular hamper foods.
"Non-perishables are what we need along with frozen meat. Cold cuts are very welcome for those who are making the sandwiches do until that cheque comes in. Tinned vegetables, pastas, peanut butter and jams ... all welcomed."
The food bank also attempts to help those with certain food allergies, but can't guarantee consistency in that department.
"We have emergency funds put aside for food purchases. Usually we find ourselves doing that once or twice a year and I figure we'll be dipping into that fund this month which is a bit earlier than we usually would," said the Salvation Army officer.
Some area 4-H clubs have also stepped up in the past, donating sides of beef. Hunters have also come forward with wild game offerings. In 2010 there were quite a few, but hardly any in 2011, probably due to the aftermath of the flood. Miller said the food bank will pay for the cutting and wrapping of game because "we're still well ahead ... it's cheaper than paying the regular store prices."
To have food bank use up by 30 per cent, even after last year's devastating floods that created a new sector of food bank users, means that the demands are definitely increasing.
"We still have a warehouse with some furniture in it to help the flood victims. June 19 is the anniversary date of the first big flood, so there are no immediate needs anymore, but there are still some people who remain dislocated and requiring some assistance. And you know, with the flood conditions, there were some people who could have used the food bank service, but couldn't get to us," he said.
As for those people who are working, but still unable to meet the demands, Millar said it can be an ongoing challenge.
"Road bans were on for a long time this year. That slowed things down and you know there are some people we interview who just can't make it no matter what. We see these people maybe not every month, but every two or three months. They just can't seem to break out of that cycle for long. We're there to help them always. Then there are those who use the food bank once, maybe twice, just while they're getting established and after they've picked up the first and second paycheque, we don't see them again. It has worked out for them."
Millar and his wife Ros are soon on their way to their new posting in Kindersley, but before they leave, they'd love to report that the food bank glass in Estevan is at least half-full again.
