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REPULSE BAY
A food bank in Repulse Bay is off to a successful start using a unique way of lending a helping hand in the community.

Committee chair Joanna Kopak displays some of the more popular items requested at the Naujaat Food Bank in Repulse Bay this past week. - photo courtesy of Jeremy Chippett

The Naujaat Food Bank Society opened its doors for the first time last December.

The food bank is located in the Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) office, and is overseen by a committee of Joanna Kopak (chairperson), Simeonie Kopak, Louisa Tungilik, Kate Elms, Mike Elms, Jennifer Perry, Alice Uttak, Abby Haqpi and Tommy Mablik.

Perry said the food bank employs a borrowing system.

She said the concept came about when committee members met to discuss ways of making the operation sustainable in the community.

"The minority of people would use a food bank in most southern communities, but, in our community, it seems like the majority of people have to use it from time to time," said Perry.

"Companies are only going to give you so much money, even for something as important as a food bank.

"We weren't getting a whole lot of donated food items, even though we were trying food drives and various activities at Tusarvik School to get the students involved.

"We realized it wasn't going to be sustainable that way."

Perry said the committee decided to give the borrowing system a try when it was suggested by Uttak.

She said many people were going on local radio or Facebook during the month to try and borrow food items until their cheque came in.

"We're open Monday and Friday mornings and people can come in, borrow something, and bring it back the next time they're in.

"You can take items from the food bank once a month without bringing anything back.

"With the borrowing system, you can borrow flour, juice or whatever every week, and just bring it back the next time you have money come in.

"We've had this in place for about six weeks now and it's been working well."

Perry said when people borrow items, a list is made of what they take.

She said those who use the system are given ample time to return the items.

"Nobody complains if someone comes back to the food bank for more without returning what they previously borrowed, but it's been less than a month since they borrowed those items.

"It's based on the honour system and nobody's tried to abuse it so far."

Perry said the committee has been officially certified as a charitable organization.

She said an annual general meeting was held this past weekend to look at ways to attract more members.

"People who work can't volunteer their time in the mornings, so we need a few more interested people to help out with that.

"We also had a grant for country food administered to us through the local HTO.

"That allowed us to add 20 caribou to the food bank, which we've delivered to elders, widows and people who don't have the transportation to get out hunting themselves.

"The community seems to believe in the system, and we can help more people this way than if they just used the food bank once a month."

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