Discussions

I totally understand that because .of the pandemic things have gotten tighter..but this is shameful. We used to get to use the food bank twice a month, now only once a month. These pictures show what a single person receives to survive on. We usually get box or two of spaghetti and can of sauce if lucky and few cans of soup and maybe a vegetable.

All free?

I have not seen the pre packaging of donations at Sobeys or Safeway lately.  
They used to have pasta,sauce,soup etc in them .  
Maybe people just don’t have the extra cash to donate. With increased prices at grocery stores and the gas pumps these days it’s not easy for a lot of people.  
Have you tried that Food Rescue Store on 31A on Ninth St it opened in December- not sure of hours or if it is still there.  
Maybe someone has more information about it?

You need to understand obviously that the food bank is making sure everyone is getting something. With the cost of gas and groceries going up it is hard to feed your family and donate. You need to stop complaining and be happy you got anything. So if you got to go twice a month then someone does not get anything at all and that is fair how? You seem to understand that life is tougher for everyone including yourself but yet you still do not get why you can only go once and are being limited to so much.

If people think things are tough now, it’s likely going to get much worse. I’ve been wrong on this a lot of times in my life, hopefully I’m wrong this time as well

The people who work hard and are only able to provide for their families? Should they be ashamed that they aren’t taking food away from their families to give to yours? Samaritan House relies on donations. Maybe people don’t have anything extra to give. There is only so much that one can do and everyone has to take care of their own first. A sense of entitlement that you should be given what you want just because you have your hand out is what is shameful.

Perhaps, instead of each side complaining and pointing fingers, maybe there needs to be a frank discussion about the need for food banks and how the current economic situation is impacting the most vulnerable in our community.  
 
When I was grocery shopping last Saturday, I was astounded to discover no name pasta at Superstore has doubled in price since Christmas. My first thought, admittedly, was dismay for myself. But then I wondered how the food bank was going to cope. Pasta is a fairly cheap and filling foodstuff. It's lots of calories for a buck. Now, it's 2 bucks.  
 
Systemically, why do people need food banks? Is that number increasing or decreasing (hint: it's not decreasing)? I have had friends over the years rely on food banks, and it's never something anyone chooses. Food security is a real issue.

I see bacon in the pic of said ‘ashamed food basket’:  
Food & cost of living is rising fast for all of us! Bacon is recently an item i have had to cross off my list recently given its hike in cost & my grocery budget.  
…….Maybe biting the hand that literally feeds you.

I think the food bank isn’t ment for you to survive on but to help out. Also if they don’t have much donations then they have to split it evenly. And lastly like you said times are tough and things are going up in pricing meaning more people that needs this help. So not only are less people probably donating but more people are also needing.

Food. Security is going to be a huge issue for the foreseeable future. Input costs for primary food producers have at least doubled in the last year as well. Due to cost and more importantly poor availability many producers around the world will reduce agricultural inputs and production of food will probably drop significantly. Plus two massive grain producing countries are locked in war right now and are effectively out of the world market place. Add rising interest rates and extreme weather events into the equation and many many people are headed for extremely tough times ahead.

with you and Don. This the beginning to leaner times. It's good to find gratitude in the now.  
The fact we can all sleep tonight in warmth with no bombs going off around us, and some drinking water present, is good. This comparison brings a valued perspective.

As someone that's been getting a monthly hamper for a year now meat is a rarity.  
 
And, those packages of meat should last you 4 meals alone. (And that's me cooking for 4, not one)  
 
Also, right now is really tough for fresh foods because everything is out of season and running low in storage. Never mind everything else going on economically right now.  
 
My advice to the op is to give everything back and go buy what they want. You are then happy and the next person might enjoy some bacon.

Well said Anne!!

I know everyone is feeling the affects of cost. All I can say or suggest is: Grow, Can, save.  
I am fortunate that my husband is a hunter. But if you can find food at colonies. Chickens, Turkey, whatever. Spend the extra money and buy chickens, turkeys, a pork belly to cut up your own sandwich meat, (chicken, turkey meat), pork - make your own bacon - YouTube can show you how, it is a great resource. Canning...gardening, any one can grow veggies, it just takes time. Bake, bake what you can! Bannock is a great substitute for bread and you don't need much ingredients to make it. Making your own pasta sauces, breads, dough. I know our family is going to be extremely busy this fall gathering in order to save money on the costs of food.  
It is a lot of work but these days, we need to think back when this was the way of life. Relying on others will not provide cause everyone is struggling with these prices. The unfortunate, the fortunate and the in betweens.  
Like one person said, the food bank is there for support, they can not supply food for an individual or family for a full month. It is sad but as humans, naturally we are harvesters go back to your roots, learn and grow....  
Good luck everyone during this struggling times.

To each your own.  
There are ways, you just have to find ways that work for you.  
Everyone one has a story, everyone has choices. Its up to that person, to make time, find time, and make it work.  
It's hard, working full time, finding time, raising kids and living in a crunch.  
Its not like the good old days, but like I said before, our ancestors lived in much more brutal times. We have the ability to make a change if we really want....  
 
Anyways good luck! life is not easy for the most of us.  
 
Cheers.

Finding work in Brandon is hard right now, and wages are not on the livable side. And finding full time too... Including that rent in this town is very high, higher than Winnipeg.  
 
If you are living off assistance is not usually enough to pay for rent, bills and groceries.. Been there.. Still am..  
 
Breads.. I found them to be a great way for a filler and can be picked up at anytime not just during you scheduled pickup. I know carbs are not the greatest but they are a nice filler and go well with canned soup. Noodles are also a great option as well as regular rice not minute rice.