Donations are up, but the number of people using the service is down. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

donations up

Lac La Ronge Food Bank donations up, number of clients served down

Jan 19, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The number of clients accessing the Lac La Ronge Food Bank continues to be below pre-COVID levels.

“Definitely from this time last year, because we weren’t in the midst of COVID restrictions last year, our numbers would have been quite a bit higher,” said Chairperson Cheryl Norgaard. “We are helping as many people as we can, but our numbers are definitely not where they were before COVID.”

Since the food bank re-opened last July, volunteers adopted a new method of hamper delivery that didn’t involve clients showing up at their building. They began accepting orders on Mondays with deliveries on Tuesdays, but it ultimately resulted in an overall drop in people reaching out for the service. The food bank has a maximum capacity of providing 50 hampers per week with each client allowed to receive one every four weeks.

Recently, however, Norgaard explained there has been a slight increase in the number of people requesting a hamper. She noted the organization now has a cellphone and can receive texts, plus clients can also ask for assistance via Facebook Messenger. Those in need of a hamper should call or text 1-306-425-1259.

“We take calls from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mondays) and the volunteers who take the calls they get the information we need like an address, phone number and how many people, so we can determine the size of the hamper they’re in need of and if they qualify,” Norgaard said.

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Norgaard mentioned the current method of operation will remain in place until COVID restrictions are lifted, which she hopes happens in the next six to 12 months. Volunteers will also need to feel comfortable working in the building and being in close quarters with one another.

Although 2020 was a difficult year, Norgaard adds it appears donations are up. She said residents have kept the non-profit in mind and they have also received support from Food Banks of Saskatchewan. The food bank is also set to accept a donation through the Home for the Holidays campaign of which Nutrien is a major sponsor.

“I would like to thank our community,” Norgaard said. “I think we have a fantastic community and they support us very well. It doesn’t matter when, we always have great support from our community and we want to make sure how appreciative we are.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno