The numbers are staggering: more than 1,100 children, men and women need to go to the Sidney Lions Food Bank in Sidney to help make ends meet.
That’s 1,100 people who go there each month for basic staples. Many are seniors on fixed incomes. They all need what the food bank offers.
Living in, or close to, poverty is a reality for many people on the Peninsula, despite the area’s reputation as being home to those of a more affluent background. Their choices every day are a lot harder than many people can — or even want to — comprehend. Pay the rent or buy food. Eat or be able to afford prescription medications. They are hard choices to make and services like the food bank and other outreach programs on the Peninsula are doing their best to help make those decisions easier.
For the food bank and various local lunch programs to continue reaching out to people, they need people to pay attention all year long.
It’s a holiday tradition, usually around Christmas, for people and businesses to collect food and donations for the food bank. Normally, that generosity can keep the shelves full for months. There are times, however, when the supplies simply run short.
This is one of those times.
That is why we are hoping our communities on the Peninsula take notice and help keep the food bank shelves full of the staples of life. It’s a service that needs our support year-round and every little bit helps.
Food banks are a reality in our society, as the issues surrounding poverty will not go away. It’s all fine and good to talk about ending poverty, but there are seemingly few actions being taken that really will eliminate it. The fact is, there will be men, women and children who will require the services of a food bank — whether it be due to job losses, health concerns or other issues. As a society, we have stepped up to help make sure our neighbours are not forgotten when they really need some help.
We need to remember that our generosity is required throughout the year — and those who do regularly donate to the food bank should be thanked for doing so.
Sidney’s food bank needs our help to meet the needs of others. If you’re in a position to do so, think about donating this summer.