The Barriere and District Food Bank relies on community donations to provide food and healthy nutrition to over 65 households each month in Barriere and area.
“As our community’s families prepare for the return to routines and back to school for children, families, and teachers, we begin to share important information about our ‘Kids' Snacks’ program," says Barriere and District Food Bank president Louise Peters.
"The program has become part of our regular hamper program for the past few years. I think this is a great and needed program provided by the food bank. Giving children healthy snacks and supporting families is win-win: 'Neighbours sharing food with neighbours.' It's what we do here in the communities of Barriere, Chu Chua, Louis Creek, McLure and Little Fort. North Thompson neighbours are the best."
Peters explains that the snack packs are offered to families with children in addition to the regular monthly hampers, and include yogourt cups, cheese strings, fresh fruit, and granola bars. “Children enjoy these healthy snack options and families are grateful for this supplemental child-focused inclusion in the monthly food hamper,” she says.
The Barriere food bank began the initiative as a school snack program, but Peters says they found the need to extend it into the non-school months, and have now made it a year-round program.
“We have discovered that the need for these snacks increases slightly in the summer months, so extending it to a year-round program is meeting the need in the community,” she explains.
Between January and July this year, the food bank provided 265 snack packs, and are anticipating the average monthly number to continue in the 38 to 40 range. “As with all groceries, the costs of these packs have increased, and now costs us $7.15 per school age snack and $4.20 for each pre-school snack,” says Peters.
The Barriere and District Food Bank serves the five communities of McLure, Louis Creek, Barriere, Chu Chua, and Little Fort. Their mission is "neighbours sharing food with neighbours," and Peters stresses they are “committed to providing nutritious food to those in our communities who need support.”
“We are thankful for the wonderful donations we receive and volunteer time which makes it possible for us to continue this important work."
If you are interested in supporting the Barriere food bank's "Kids' Snack Program" or their regular hamper program, contact them at (or send your e-transfer to) foodbankbarriere@gmail.com. You can also mail a donation by cheque to Barriere Food Bank, P.O. Box 465, Barriere, B.C. V0E 1E0.
Other ways to donate in support of the Barriere and District Food Bank:
Cash donation boxes are located at the Liquor Store, Petro Canada, AG Foods, and the Station House Restaurant.
Virtual Food Drive: Go to https://bcvfd.foodbank.bc.ca/, set up an account, indicate Barriere Food Bank as your recipient, and donate.
Drop off donations or call: Bring donations to 4748 Gilbert Drive in Barriere on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or call 236-597-0029 to arrange a drop-off.
