With a growing number of clients accessing its services, the Warman Food Bank (WFB) is looking for more volunteers to help staff the small, but vital, food pantry located in the Awakening Church on Main Street in Warman.
“It is getting busier,” said WFB volunteer Dorothy Richard. “I think that’s a reflection of the overall economy right now. A lot of people are having trouble getting to the end of the month with the money they have; and they have to ask for help at the food bank.”
Five years ago, the Warman Food Bank, an initiative of the Warman Ministerial Association, set up a pantry to accommodate the rising need for urgent, short-term food supplies. Prior to that, the food bank relied on financial donations to purchase gift cards at local grocery stores, which it distributed to needy families.
“The pantry has expanded over the years,” said Richard. “And the number of hours the food bank is open has also expanded. We’re now operating three days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We need to have two people at the food bank during those hours.
“If we had people who were committed to working four hours a day one day a week, then we’d only need six people. But realistically, it’s difficult for volunteers to make that kind of commitment. Some people can only come once a month, for example.
“So the more people we have volunteering, the more we can accommodate people’s schedules.”
Richard said the food bank is very appreciative of the volunteers who have stepped up, and also to the two grocery stores in Warman that donate food to the pantry. Area farmers often donate fresh food as well.
“We have several drop-off places around the city where people can donate food items,” said Richard. “Both the Buy Low and Co-op stores have donation bins, as does Warman City Hall, the MCC Thrift Shop, the SaskAbilities office, Warman City Hall, and the Prairie Records store.”
Richard said the food bank has been blessed with ongoing donations, although there are occasions when supplies of some items run low.
“At times we have trouble keeping the shelves stocked,” she said. “But with the help of food drives, we have food donations continuously coming in. People are aware of the need and they keep us in mind. This community is very generous, and we’re thankful for that.
“But, we could use some help if there are people out there who would like to donate some of their time to help people in need.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for the food bank can call (306) 934-7007 or email warmanfoodbank@gmail.com.