A video posted to social media reveled the deficiencies the Door of Hope food bank is experiencing to start this holiday season. (Facebook/Meadow Lake Food Bank)

By Elliott Knopp

Food Shortage

Door of Hope seeking community support through seasonal hardships

Nov 18, 2021 | 5:16 PM

One of Meadow Lake’s crucial non-profits is leaning on the community for support through one of its most bothersome challenges.

The Door of Hope is currently facing a severe food shortage which has caused strain on the organization. Earlier this week, a video was posted to Facebook revealing empty shelves and storage units.

Since the video was published, some local organizations have reached out in support with monetary donations and other contributions.

In an interview with meadowlakeNOW, executive director Natanis Bundschuh explained the food intake has taken a considerable hit over the recent months, which has resulted in excessive strain on service.

“I have no idea how we’ve managed to still put together hampers in the middle of this, but we never seem to completely run out of food,” she said.

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“With the fresh food that’s coming in and the frozen stuff, we still managed to supplement. We get quite a bit of bread, but we would like to be able to do better for the people that are coming to us for help than to just give them the bare minimum.”

While the non-profit frequently receives help from the local Co-op and Extra Foods, Bundschuh said the quantity of items that are supplied has decreased throughout the course of the ongoing public health crisis.

The organization is also recovering from a period of employment instability brought on by sudden departures in crucial positions throughout its own ranks. Employment vacancies have been filled, but the period of uncertainty created a disturbance in food intake.

“All the staffing positions that needed to be filled are full, now we can start really focusing on building relationships with our community, individuals and businesses that would like to support us,” she explained.

To further combat the issue, using the power of the holiday season, Bundschuh is releasing a Christmas music album to donors who make contributions greater than or equal to $15. Individual songs will be made available for a $2 offering.

Currently, the food bank is in need of canned items, pasta sauces, cereals, baking goods and other non-perishable pantry items that are typically stored on shelves. Items can be dropped off directly at the Door of Hope during their hours of operation.

Financial contributions are also welcomed so the non-profit can acquire various goods as required. The Door of Hope accepts online contributions through the Meadow Lake Outreach Ministries website, and by e-transfer at givehope@MLOM.ca.

Those using e-transfer are asked to please specify their name, phone number and address so a receipt can be issued.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp