This Thursday October 3 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Madawaska Valley Food Bank will host an Open House for the public at 19460 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay (the former Sweet Memories Candy Shoppe). Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about the work done by this organization.
MV Food Bank has operated for more than twenty years to provide temporary food relief for individuals and families located in Barry’s Bay, Wilno, Palmer Rapids, Combermere, Madawaska and Whitney areas. Food is given to anyone in need who asks MV Food Bank. While the volunteers collect information about the people in the household and the type of income, they do not apply any test to determine if they qualify for assistance.
The organization is run entirely by volunteers who open the Food Bank twice a month. Between 35 and 50 local families are served by MV Food Bank. A typical food basket contains dairy products, meat, eggs, bread, juice, fresh produce, tinned and dry goods.
This week’s Open House for the community is an opportunity for MV Food Bank to thank the many local donors who have supported their work over the years, whether by donations of cash or food, buying food parcels during supermarket drives, contributing to the annual radiothon, and by growing extra seedlings and fresh produce for Food Bank clients. MV Food Bank is grateful to local donors including individuals, businesses, schools, service clubs and local employee organizations. The organization also receives donations from the Ontario Association of Food Banks, which receives food from large corporations to share with OAFB members.
To find out more about Madawaska Valley Food Bank, to meet the volunteers and learn about what they do, you are welcome to visit during this Thursday’s Open House.
