A local food bank is hoping to show the Valley how they operate.
The Madawaska Valley Food Bank has said it will hold an open house on October 3rd from 11 AM – 2 PM. The Food Bank says their volunteers will show what clients experience when they access the food bank and answer any questions visitors may have. They say the event is to show the public how they operate and how they distribute their donations.
The Food Bank says they serve 35-50 families twice a month in the Madawaska Valley and South Algonquin Townships. They say they have been in operation since 1992, and are run entirely by volunteers. They say that they do collect information about the people who come through, but no tests are given to see if they apply for assistance. They also run a program where gardeners can donate vegetable transplants and seedlings so clients can grow their own veggies.
The Food Bank accepts cash and non-perishable food. They are open on the second and forth Tuesday of every month. They are located 19460 Opeongo Line, next door to St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Barry’s Bay.