I think many of us have a heightened awareness of the pinch caused by inflation and the rising costs of gas and heating oil. Some people who live on a fixed income or are working at or near minimum wage are facing desperate choices in trying to meet their family’s needs.

One way we are able to extend a helping hand is through donations
to the Food Bank. Saint Benedict Parish partners with 15 other churches for the Halifax West Ecumenical Food Bank. This food bank is located at the Salvation Army Fairview Citadel Church on Gesner Street in Fairview, and it is one of the biggest and busiest sites in the city.

It was fascinating to be taken on a tour of this facility by Harold Smith. Harold explained how on Mondays the crew receives shipments from churches and Feed Nova Scotia. They sort all of the food items into bins, turning the room into one big pantry. When produce arrives on Tuesday mornings, clients come to register for a pick-up time later in the afternoon. When the last client is served, stock is taken of what remains, and preparations are made for the next week, and so the cycle continues. The volunteers have it working like a fine-oiled machine.

The food items come from a variety of sources: Feed Nova Scotia, participating churches, community groups, and individuals. The essentials that do not get donated are purchased with the help of monetary donations which Keith Matheson, one of our parishioners at Saint Benedict, looks after. Keith makes purchases to round out the list of staples and ensures that the essential needs are met.

If you read this and find yourself wanting to respond to this need, you can find a wooden donation box at the foot of the stairs on our lower level. There you can place non- perishable food items such as soups, peanut butter, cereal, canned vegetables and fruits, canned meat, rice, pasta and pasta sauce, fresh or frozen vegetables, fresh or frozen meats, baby food and formula, meal replacement drinks, juices, granola bars, cookies, sugar, and much more.

When I spoke with volunteers, I kept hearing how great the need is, and how quickly it is growing. I was alarmed to hear that even before Winter has set in, purchases are up 65% and clients have increased by 55%. What comes to mind is the passage in Matthew 25:35: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Monetary donations allow flexibility in stocking the pantry with the essentials. If you are able to help in this way you may send an e-Transfer to [email protected] or, if you wish to send a cheque please direct it to Halifax West Ecumenical Food Bank c/o Mr. Russell Cooper, 33 Chartwell Lane, Halifax, NS, B3M3S7. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of families in our community.