Inuvik (Feb 25/04) - The Inuvik Food Bank is trying to quash rumours that some of its clients are reselling food.

Unless those alleging that food bank clients are selling food are able to come up with some proof, volunteer John Nash says it will be business as usual at the Inuvik relief organization.

"My take on it is that a rumour will always be a rumour unless someone can step up to the plate and prove it is happening," he said. "We can't act on hearsay, but having said that, by all means, let us know if you've seen something."

To date, accusations that certain clients are selling the food to supplement bingo and drinking habits have not been substantiated and the food bank is not implicating any of its current clients.

Since opening in August of last year, more than 140 clients have registered to take advantage of the service. Of those clients, some are picking up food for families so Nash estimates the bank provides emergency food for between 200 and 300 people.

Once every two weeks, clients are allowed to pick up between two and five bags of food, depending on the number of people who are registered under their names.

Nash estimates that each week the bank provides $1,000 worth of emergency food.