Food bank in urgent need of volunteers and donations to help serve others

The Nicola Valley Food Bank (NVFB) is asking for the communities help as both items on their shelves and volunteers have been depleting in recent weeks.

Executive director of the Food Bank Derlanda Hewton said this time of year, the necessity is great as the summer winds down.

“We (NVFB) depend on donations and grants for 99% of our operating budget each year,” Hewton said. “We understand that everyone is feeling the pinch during the last year, so it makes it tough to when asking for donations.”

According to Hewton’s paperwork, the Food Bank served roughly 1400 unique people in the area or the equivalent to ten percent of the Nicola Valley population.

“We are looking at various ways to do fundraising and we are hoping to organize a community food drive this fall,” Hewton added. “Of course that requires volunteers, which are starting to drop off.”

Local area businesses are chipping in to help ease the burden as well. The Merritt Speedway recently hosted its “Race to End Hunger” event during its monthly races Aug. 23, and next week, Murray Chevrolet Buick is hosting a barbeque on Saturday Sept 6 at the dealership from 11:00 am to 1:00 p.m. with proceeds going to the food bank. In addition to the barbeque, the dealership is also having a draw for great prizes such as a vehicle detail package and other great gifts, when you make a donation to the food drive. Drop your non-perishable food items off to Murray GM Monday through Saturday 8:30 am-5:00 p.m.

“It’s our way to give back to the community and to a worthwhile cause,” said Marcos Lima, new general manager of Murray GM. “No one should go hungry, so we encourage other businesses to get involved and help out the food bank.”

Meanwhile the Foodbank has announced they will be closed for food distribution September 9 to 11. giving staff and volunteers a break to prepare for a very busy winter season.