California youngsters look North
Students offer Inuvik Food Bank an unexpected helping hand
Shawn Giilck
Northern News Services
Thursday, June 18, 2015
INUVIK
The word is out about food security issues in the North, and it's travelling further than people might expect.
This Grade 5 class from California has donated more than $700 to the Inuvik Food Bank after studying food issues in the North. - photo courtesy of Margaret Miller
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A Grade 5 class from Santa Ana, California, recently offered the Inuvik Food Bank an unexpected helping hand.
Margaret Miller, the spokesperson for the food bank's board of directors, said she was surprised to hear from the class.
"Her Grade 5 class (was) doing some studies on the Inuit," Miller explained. "They became aware of the cost-of-food issues through the Helping Our Northern Neighbours page on Facebook."
The Inuvik Food Bank was asked to be a part of the initiative, Miller continued.
Upon learning of the food problems in the North, even for communities served by a permanent road such as Inuvik, the class decided they wanted to do something to help, said Miller.
"The students held a book drive and then sold the books and collected over $700 (US) that they wanted to donate to the Inuvik Food Bank" she said.
"She has sent me a picture of the class with the money orders," Miller said. "In return, I asked the town for some brochures on Inuvik and the delta.
"They gave me some of the two pamphlets they have, a write-up on the Town of Inuvik's logo and 30 Inuvik town pins, which I have sent off to the teacher. I also included some small Canada pins which I had and a card thanking her and her students for their interest and support."
Miller said she was touched by the donation, which was quite unexpected.
"I think this is a good example of how young people can help others in need," she said. "And I think it's something that would be of interest to the citizens of Inuvik."
"We will be ordering milk, eggs, tuna and cans of fruit with this donation," she added.
The average cost of supplying the food bank from January to June this year is $2,919.05 per week, Miller said.
"That is for the basic bag. On top of that, our clients get half-dozen eggs, tea, sugar, peanut butter, flour or Bisquick if they want. We buy these extras when we have funds available."
Demand at the food bank isn't declining, she said.
Just two weeks ago, following grocery shortages in town caused by break-up, the food bank handed out boxes of food to 80 people, twice the normal number.
With the economy of Inuvik still in recession, it's not likely the demand will ease up any time soon.
"For the period of January to June 2014, the average bags per week was 74. For the same period in 2015, the average bags per week was 80. The highest average was in January at 92 bags (with two Wednesdays more than 100). There were eight Wednesdays out of 21 with more than 90 bags given out," Miller said.
