For Peter, a senior Cochranite who has limited mobility, getting groceries can be tough enough while in a wheelchair, never mind when money is low.
Peter lives on his pension, which he said often has overlapping weeks where funds are not released. When he initially moved into his most recent home, the damage deposit combined with his first month’s rent was steep for his budget and once that was paid, he had little left.
“The food hamper is a good bridge in those situations,” Peter said.
Peter is one of 2,500 Cochranites who accessed the food bank in 2017, a year when 1,000 hampers went out. Out of those receiving the hamper, 1,200 were children.
Running low on funds, especially for necessities, has been a growing issue in town. This past February, food bank resources were at all-time lows.
The food bank is a three-pronged system. There’s the food bank itself, organized and maintained by the Cochrane Activettes, the hamper vetting system – determining who qualifies to receive the food – by Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). And then Helping Hands who organizes the food drive – with the next one set for this weekend.
“The first time I received one, I actually received two in a row because I moved in here and I’m in a wheelchair, I’m on a pension. I have expenses that aren’t normal expenses,” Peter said. “Honestly, I couldn’t afford to go grocery shopping that month.”
During his second month, he saw his pension drain into expenses for household essentials – pots, pans, plates.
“I needed to use the food bank once again because I needed to eat once again,” he said.
Several months later, a new expense arose. During inclement weather he is restricted to his home with little to do. When he decided to get internet, it could have been a decision between having enough groceries for the month or paying the service bill.
“Because I have other expenses due to my disability the food bank is absolutely necessary,” Peter said.
“I just survive. I make just enough money that I can pay my bills and eat. I have no extras. There is no trip to the movies for this guy. There is no trips to the restaurant for a steak dinner for this guy. There’s no extras.”
Peter said because the town appears to have a wealthier demographic, it often can be difficult to spot those having troubles keeping up with their bills and necessities.
“People around here have a lot generally,” he said. “The fact that other people who have more can donate to ensure their fellow citizens don’t starve is a great idea. There’s no downside to this whatsoever is there.”
Jackie Shier, executive director of Helping Hands, said the food drive usually anticipates one donation for every three households.
“It’s huge for the Cochrane area to be able to offer the support to locals,” Shier said. “What people don’t realize is it could be your neighbour. And just because you don’t see them taking in a food hamper, they may be accessing the food hamper program.”
Shier is gearing up for the upcoming bi-annual food bank this weekend, which will see hundreds of volunteers collecting food donations around town.
Last year, the two annual Helping Hands Food Drives supplied 60 per cent of what went out in hampers from the Food Bank.
To make donations, place items in the designated plastic bag – delivered with this week’s Cochrane Eagle - and leave it on your doorstep before 10 a.m. on April 21 for volunteers to collect. Donations can also be made at Safeway, Save On Foods and Mark’s No Frills throughout the following week.
For any further information, contact [email protected].
Peter’s real name was changed to protect the individual’s privacy.
