Get ready for the Family Friends Food Bank Challenge, coming to Ashcroft and Cache Creek from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1 to aid the South Cariboo Elizabeth Fry Society food bank in Ashcroft.
The challenge is being organized by the Family Friends group, and is intended to collect some much-needed supplies for the food bank, which is facing increased demand but fewer donations.
Joyce Buckland, one of the organizers, says the challenge has been timed to take advantage of the case-lot sale at Ashcroft Safety Mart, as well as the friendly rivalry between Cache Creek and Ashcroft. “The winning community will get bragging rights,” she explains.
The friendly competition masks a very serious issue: more households in the area (particularly seniors, and families with young children) are using the E. Fry food bank than ever before, but donations have decreased.
“The need is so great,” says Trish Schachtel, executive director of the South Cariboo E. Fry Society. “We get the Christmas food drive, and that helps us get through the lean winter months, but we need to get to there over the next few weeks.”
One generous donation that has helped was the 9,574 pounds of fresh produce donated over the summer by Monette Farms, which is located between Cache Creek and Hat Creek Ranch. The food bank has extended a huge thank you to Monette, whose donation has enabled them to not only help their own customers but “share the wealth” with the broader community.
Among the beneficiaries of the donation were other area food banks, including those in Lillooet, Logan Lake, and Merritt. The Equality Project in Cache Creek, and Soup’s On in Ashcroft, also benefitted, and the produce was distributed to residents of Venables Valley who were impacted by the Shetland Creek wildfire, and to the BC Wildfire Service fire camp.
“We want to extend a heartfelt shout-out to Monette Farms for their incredible generosity!” said a post on social media. “We are deeply grateful for their support and the positive impact it’s made!”
Buckland says that the Food Bank Challenge was set up because the food bank really does need a hand right now. “We wanted to do whatever we could. Whatever we get is a bonus, because the shelves are empty, and they really do need a boost.” She adds that if people take advantage of the case-lot sale, they don’t have to donate the whole case: “You can donate two cans.”
Schachtel says that the food bank always needs dried pasta and tomato sauce: “Things people can make meals of.” Kraft Dinner is popular, as are canned meals such as stews and soups, while canned fruit and vegetables are greatly appreciated: “For some people that’s their only source of fruit and vegetables, and it’s so expensive.”
Donations will be weighed to see which community gets bragging rights. Items can be dropped off at the village office, the Journal office, and Revelations Hair Salon (Ashcroft) and at the village office, Kal Tire, and Lordco (Cache Creek).
