REMINDER: HUNGER IS NOT SEASONAL

By Sam Robinson, president Manna Food Bank
BRACEBRIDGE — With the availability of seasonal employment opportunities in the warmer months, the number of clients requesting help from the Manna Food Bank of Bracebridge is traditionally not as high as it is during the busy winter months.

Unfortunately, food insecurity does remain a reality for some in Muskoka, even in the summer. And it is for this reason that we are asking you to consider making a donation to the Manna Food Bank to assist those in need in our community this summer.

“No Vacation for Manna Food Bank of Bracebridge.”

Kids get hungry in summer, too, running around and often don’t eat as healthy as when they are in school with breakfast and lunch programs.

About Manna:

About 600 families in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes and beyond accessed the food bank last year. This represents about 5,000 individuals, a third of whom are children. The reasons our clients require a helping hand are many. It could be employment-related (job loss, precarious or under-employment), high housing costs, accident, illness or a combination of issues. Some of our clients are seniors whose OAS or ODSP is simply not sufficient to make ends meet. The majority of our clients only come once or twice to help them through a difficult time.

Volunteer Run, Community Funded:

Whatever their need, Manna is there to serve them, all year around. The food bank is open on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, between 1 and 4 p.m. weekly. Manna functions entirely through the efforts of our dedicated and caring volunteers; we do not have any paid employees. Our funding is entirely through donations of our amazingly generous community.

How to Help:

If you are able to support us in our efforts, donations can be made:

Online by going to our webpage <mannafoodbank.ca>, or

Mail a cheque to: Manna Food Bank, P.O. Box 462, Bracebridge ON P1L 1T8.

Receipts are given for all financial donations, and if we have your email address, can be provided electronically.

Donations of food are also greatly appreciated. Items in continuous demand include peanut butter, mac and cheese, breakfast cereal and canned fish. Food donations must be unopened, undamaged and within their expiry dates. Drop boxes for non-expired, non-perishable items are located at Gagnon’s Your Independent Grocer, Food Basics, the Bracebridge Sportsplex, Bracebridge Town Office at 1000 Taylor Court, and many of the local churches.

Thank you. Your thoughtfulness allows us to do what we do all year round.

For more information go to info@mannafoodbank.ca | Or call 705-646-0114 (and leave a message).