The Cochrane Food Bank is feeling the love from the community despite troubling times.
"Our numbers are fairly steady, they're not staggering," said Kathy Tucker, chairperson with the food bank.
Tucker explained that while numbers remain at par in Cochrane, it is the big cities like Calgary, Red Deer and Lethbridge that are feeling the pinch the most.
Statistics for Food Banks Canada HungerCount 2021 show Alberta sitting at a 29.6 per cent increase in total visits between 2019-2021. A total of 523,019 meals and snacks were provided with 116,396 total visits to 154 food banks reporting. The highest numbers in Canada are reported in Quebec with 474,002 total visits of 1,173 food banks reporting. There was a number of 1,415,652 meals and snacks provided making for a 38.1 per cent change in total visits for the 2019-2021 period.
"When HungerCounts come out for Canada, it can somewhat distort what really goes on in a small community," said Tucker, adding the consistent support from fellow Cochranites and businesses running mini food drives provides them with the ability to continue to do what they do best.
Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area is constantly helping those in need through a variety of different programs and services. Tucker said Helping Hands is running the food shed at St. Andrew's United Church and the two organizations work very closely together.
"They have food there for people to get 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Tucker. "It's a short-term solution for people that are in a bit of a bind, whereas we're more of a long-term solution for people who are out of jobs or their situations are very different."
The food shed has been a big aid to those in the community during COVID, said Tucker who believes this may be why the food bank's numbers have remained at an even pace.
During this time of the year, there are key items the food bank is constantly after such as jam, cookies, honey, pancake mix and syrup.
"These are things we put in our Share your Christmas hampers that are special," explained Tucker. "Our regular items that we're kind of low on right now is one-litre juice, rice, granola bars, Kleenex and paper towel."
The food bank is beginning to collect for its Share your Christmas program. Tucker said parades of first responders will be going community to community starting Nov. 15.
"We're really excited to see that start again," she said. "This year is a pivotal year with people now moving into somewhat normal lives again and what does that look like at Christmas for them, so we don't know if we're going to see a really big uptake this year on our Share Your Christmas program or whether it will stay constant again like last year, but we're prepared for anything."
Tucker praises the community of Cochrane for its big heart and added that although government support has been crucial for individuals during the pandemic, with that relief now coming to an end she anticipates she may see a small climb in those turning to the food bank.
"The people that have donated to us have just been phenomenal throughout the last 20 months, and we just couldn't live in a better community when it comes to having a pandemic hit and relying on the people around you to help guide you through," she said.
Though it is never easy for individuals to ask for help, Tucker said the biggest key in the community is getting people to call.
"It's really hard for people to do that and I totally understand that," she said. "We're trying to break down all barriers so people know we're here, please call us, we will make something happen."
Anyone in need can access the food bank by calling 403-851-2250.
