Sara’s Pantry hosts “Scare Hunger” food drive for local families

As the crisp fall air settles in and bright orange pumpkins transform into glowing jack-o-lanterns, one local organization is using the season to help families in need. Sara’s Pantry, community food security program established in 2021, is gearing up for its 3rd annual “Scare for Hunger” campaign—an upcoming food drive aimed at supporting families in the area struggling to make ends meet as the colder months approach.

Since its inception, Sara’s Pantry has played a vital role in providing food assistance for families and individuals throughout the area comprising of Glenboro, Cypress River, Stockton and Baldur. This year, with the rising cost of groceries and economic uncertainty still impacting many, the demand for their services has grown.

The “Scare Hunger” campaign is a food drive, encouraging residents to donate non-perishable food items while also raising awareness about local food insecurity. This time of year is all about community and coming together, and the “Scare Hunger” campaign taps into that spirit. “We want people to enjoy the season but also to remember that there are families who may not have enough,” commented Charlene Claeys-Godard, Sara’s Pantry Operations Manager.

According to Charlene Claeys-Godard, the campaign couldn’t come at a better time. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of people utilizing the food bank in just the last few months. With the holidays approaching, we expect that number to rise even more. The past two campaigns have been very well received, generating a good inventory of both non perishable and hygienic items,” she explained.

Manitoba Food Bank stats reveal that food bank usage increased 150% in the province since 2019 with a 30% increase in 2022. Seniors, who are limited by fixed or limited incomes, were among the most consistent pantry clients. While they estimate that over 50,000 people attend a food bank in the province, Sara’s Pantry distributes to 15-20 families twice a month.

In Glenboro, on October 27th, the Glenboro Fire Department will be hitting the streets, not for an emergency call, but to pick up donations for Sara’s Pantry. The crew will meet at the Glenboro School at noon before dispersing throughout town to collect non-perishable food items left curb side by residents. All the food picked up by the fire department will be brought to the front entrance of the Glenboro School where tables will be set up to organize all the generous donations. “This is our third year of taking part, we feel that it is a very important cause, and we love the opportunity to volunteer and help out. Anything we can do to help those in need, it’s what we do,” said Glenboro Fire Chief Steve Nelson.

Cypress River Meats will be the drop off for Cypress River residents and with the recent partnership with Baldur School and Baldur Trading will take part in the Scare for Hunger with the school and store being the drop off areas for those wanting to donate. Volunteers from Baldur and Cypress will deliver their hampers to the school as well.

Other than gifts of food or household cleaning and hygienic care items there are other ways to get involved. Sara’s Pantry has partnered with local grocery stores, allowing shoppers to purchase pre-packaged donation bags that the store puts aside for the panty. Monetary donations are also welcomed and can be made directly through e-transfers to SarasPantry2020@gmail.com, tax receipts will be issued upon request. Students in Glenboro and Baldur School’s are also taking initiative by having their own food drives. Another way to donate is through Gift Cards from local food stores which can be dropped at Sara’s Pantry as well; Charlene shared that this is a fabulous way to contribute as the coordinators can watch for sales on non perishables enabling them to stretch their dollars to stock up the pantry.

The key goal this year is to stock up on essential items that are often in short supply, such as canned proteins, whole grains, and baby food. “We’re always in need of basic staples like rice, pasta, and canned vegetables, but we’re also asking for more high-protein options like peanut butter, canned tuna, and beans,” explained Charlene. Aside from food, other items in high demand include laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and personal hygiene products.

Looking ahead, Charlene and her team are hopeful that all the communities involved will rally behind the “Scare for Hunger” campaign. “We’ve always been amazed by the generosity of our neighbours and appreciate all the support we receive throughout the year,” said Claeys-Godard.

PHOTO CAPTION: Volunteers with Sara’s Pantry are kept busy sorting and boxing up groceries to be ready for pick up. PHOTO SUBMITTED