MANITOUWADGE -- There are four framed pictures at the entrance to the food storage area in the basement of the church. Within each of the frames there are words: Kind, Generous, Servants and Awesome People. These words, without a doubt, wholeheartedly sum up the volunteers of the Manitouwadge Food Bank. One more word should be added: Humble. Although this fine team of helpers were the recipients of the Citizen of the Year award for 2021, they all unpretentiously agree that all the town’s volunteers deserve the honour.
The Manitouwadge Food Bank was started by Carol Baye and Diane Preston back in the early 1980s. What began in a closet in Carol’s bedroom has now grown to two or three full rooms chock full of freezers, food, supplies and other necessities, and engage a whole army of volunteers. The Food Bank moved to a bigger space, first, at the hospital, and then to the church building at the base of the ski hill road. Eventually, they settled into the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church, although the food bank has no religious affiliation. It is an ideal location due to the lack of stairs, which make it more accessible and, through the generosity of the church, there are no rental fees.
The demographics of the people who use the food bank has changed over the years; back in the 1980s, the main reason people would move to Manitouwadge is because they had a job waiting for them. When the mines closed, the dynamics changed. Today, low-cost housing, a healthy environment, and accessibility to most things a larger city has to offer is drawing a new demographic to the town. There are a growing number of retirees and folks on disability pensions or social assistance, who, especially in these times of rising costs, may need an occasional helping hand.
“It’s a snapshot of society through the years,” says volunteer Jane Lebydowicz.
So far this year, they have distributed 127 boxes of food, which is up 10 boxes from the same time period last year. In April alone, they have provided food and supplies for 60 recipients, at a value of over $3,000.00
This would not be possible were it not for the generosity of the residents. Donations come in from many sources; from individuals to corporate citizens. Melanie’s Independent grocers have a donation bin at the front of the store, and offers pre-packaged donation bags, starting at $10. The Bargain! Shop also raises funds and collects donations, especially around the holidays when they hold their annual toy drive. The Ministry of Natural Resources, donates confiscated meat or fish, which is inspected and delivered frozen when available. Jim Moffat Enterprises provides the Food Bank with bread at no charge. Local schools and churches, and even the town’s paramedics get involved, holding food and toy drives at different times throughout the year. Barrick Mines, ManRoc and other corporate sponsors have also made very generous cash donations over the years.
The items that are most needed are the usual staples, soups, pastas and sauces, beans, tuna and other canned proteins, canned fruits and vegetables, as well as juices, crackers and canned stews and pastas. Sanitary items such as feminine hygiene products and toilet paper are also welcome, as are pet foods. They cannot accept home prepared foods, due to health regulations. Financial donations are also welcome.
The Food Bank is open the second and third Wednesdays of the month, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. For more information about the food bank, whether you’re in need of some help or would like to donate, you can contact Carol Baye at 826-4326.
