Food bank in crisis
Lack of funds could cut distribution of assistance
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 15, 2016
INUVIK
With one-time sponsorships and recurring fundraiser activities drying up, the Inuvik Food Bank is in "dire circumstances" and its distribution could be cut down.
Margaret Miller, treasurer with the Inuvik Food Bank, says the organization is in dire circumstances. Without a new influx of funds, the food bank will have to cut down its distribution. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo
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"We've had no major donations this year," said treasurer Margaret Miller during a distribution day that saw a line of people seeking assistance extend out of the door.
"A few years ago, we had significant donations, but we haven't had any in the last couple of years, and so our funds are being depleted."
The food bank gets no ongoing funding from any governmental sources, with all its money coming from donations and fundraisers.
Bingo is the major fundraiser. However, with more groups looking to get a slice of the lucrative bingo pie, the food bank has been left short.
In the first seven months of 2016, the Inuvik Food Bank has spent a little over $60,000. It has taken in just over $30,000.
The organization typically spends around $100,000 per year.
"Now that the funds aren't there, we are having to cut down considerably," said Miller.
"Unless we get some fresh money we won't be able to continue at the rate we're going."
Cutting distribution days from every second week to every third week is one option going forward, or even cutting it to once a month.
"We're trying to stay open as long as possible," she said. "If we run out of food we'll have to close the doors."
Not only has the income slowed, but the number of people using the food bank has grown, said Heather Wheating, the chairperson of the organization.
What used to be 25 to 40 flats of food per distribution has only increased, with the food bank giving out more than 100 last time.
"Our revenue has decreased and our need has increased," said Wheating.
If the food bank has to cut distribution to once per month, Wheating said it would increase the amount of food in each flat by a little bit.
The Inuvik Food Bank does not screen people. No questions are asked about income or whether people who use the service actually need the food.
Wheating said the food bank does have a concern that some people might be taking advantage of its service, but the organization works on the assumption that people self-screen.
"If a person determines that they need the food we're able to provide, then we work on the assumption that they've established that need," said Wheating.
Plus, any sort of screening system would require even more person power with volunteers, another thing the food bank is lacking.
More than 300 people are on the books as receiving flats from the food bank, so organizers figure the bank serves about 10 per cent of Inuvik's population.
In recent years, the food bank has shifted its standard flat to healthier items.
Each flat contains such items as UHT milk, canned stew, eggs, corn flakes, oatmeal, canned fruit, canned tomatoes and tuna. Pasta, rice, beans, potatoes and onions are also on the list.
Wheating said money donations are appreciated and so are food donations corresponding to what the bank serves.
The Inuvik Food Bank is holding its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 in the library.
Organizers encourage people to come out, volunteer, be on the board and do what they can to help.
"A lot of our clients rely on us," said Miller.
