Yellowknife (May 12/06) - In the last two months, the Inuvik Food Bank has seen a decrease in use, which has now resulted in a reduced schedule of operations.

Mandie Abrams of the Inuvik Food Bank says she has seen a decrease in usage over the past two months. The food bank will revert to reduced summer hours on May 24. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Board member Mandie Abrams said the decrease is positive.

"This past winter we gave as many as 85 bags per week," said Abrams.

"For the past two months, we have been giving only 10 or 12 bags a week."

The food bank was open three nights a week for two hours each day. Abrams said the reduction will cut two days from the weekly operations schedule.

Only one clerk is required to stand post during the hours of operation. For the past four months, a paid worker has been employed through a private donation.

Abrams said the majority of funding requested by the food bank is for purchasing food.

Prior to the hiring of an employee, the food bank was clerked by volunteers.

"During the summer months we will be back to staffing volunteers and board members," said Abrams.

The Edmonton Food Bank has been helpful in the past.

Last year, a large shipment of food was sent North and another one is expected soon.

"We hope to get it in before the road closes, and we have support from local businesses to make sure of it," she said.