A community resource centre in Martensville is adding two new services to its offerings.
The Martensville Information and Visitor Centre (MIVC) will be implementing a formalized Food Bank later this month, as well as a ‘Gleaning Goods and Products’ program.
“This is a major step for us,” said MIVC Coordinator Kristee-Lynn Adrian. “It’s a bit of a change in direction in that we are working to formalize a food bank for the community that will operate out of our space in the Civic Centre.
“We have made connections with other food bank organizations at the provincial level to ensure we’re following best practices.”
The resource centre, located in the Civic Centre at the intersection of Main Street and Centennial Drive in Martensville, is a non-profit organization. Formerly known as the Martensville Community Access Centre, the volunteer-run group relies on individual and corporate donations, as well as annual grant funding from senior levels of government for operating funds.
The city provides in-kind support by providing space in the city-owned building, which also houses the Martensville branch of the Wheatland Regional Library and the Martensville campus of Great Plains College.
Adrian said the move to establish a formal food bank grew out of the MIVC’s experience over the past few years helping with an informal food pantry inside the Civic Centre building.
“A food bank is needed in Martensville,” said Adrian. “But it needs to be more organized. It’s something we think we can take on. There are many food banks in Saskatchewan that are also connected with learning and resource centres to help people with literacy, communication and basic money management skills.
“Food banks and learning centres go hand in hand, and it’s a natural step for the MIVC. We already having learning programs including one-on-one computer support, community tutoring options, and we operate the Community Volunteer Income Tax program. We also have job and rental postings, daycare and babysitter listings and support for parents and families with small children.”
In addition to a formalized food bank, the MIVC intends to establish a ‘Gleaning Goods and Services’ program. Adrian said ‘gleaning’ is a term used to describe “reaping what is left over from harvest.” In this case, it applies to essential everyday goods like clothing, diapers, hygiene products that are donated at a central location, where the items can be distributed to those in need.
The MIVC is always in need of more volunteers, said Adrian. The centre offers ongoing volunteer programming and skills training, and provides work experience placements with local schools. It also helps coordinate community service hours through the local Youth Justice Committee.
The MIVC intends to hold a grand opening to mark the beginning of its new initiatives on November 29 at its facility. Details are available online at the MIVC facebook page.