Canyon School students donate harvest to Pincher Creek Community Food Bank

 

After the harvest: Canyon School grade 4 class at Food Bank

Chris Davis

Last year's Canyon School grade 4 students planted carrots, beets, and potatoes in their Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village garden plot.  This year's grade 4 students, approximately 29* strong,  harvested the crop and today delivered the results in overflowing canvas sacks to the Pincher Creek Food Bank, to be distributed to those in need.  Teacher Cody Johnson organizes the project as part of the students' Social Studies citizenship and community service education.

Thank you on behalf of all the recipients goes to both grade 4 classes, this year's and last year's, for their efforts.

A Food Drive is planned for Saturday, September 27.  Click here for more information.  Remember it's bear season, so don't leave perishables out in the open.

Mayor Don Anderberg and Food Bank Coordinator Susan Kuftinoff

A funny thing happened for me on the way to this story.  I ran into Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg and we chatted a bit, he's off to the AUMA conference soon. He expressed an interest in seeing the new food bank location at 756 Kettles Street, and deciding now was as good a time as any, he did just that.  Food Bank Coordinator Susan Kuftinoff took Mayor Anderberg on a tour of the facility, which seems considerably more suited to the purpose than food banks of the past."You guys do a good job," he told Kuftinoff.  "We're happy to support you." 

Regular volunteers

According to Kuftinoff, the Food Bank served over 130 families last month, representing approximately 250 hampers.  During an average month approximately 100 to 120 families are served.  Families typically receive two or three boxes, depending on the size of the family.  "Even people making $40,000 a year can have a bad month," Kuftinoff said, explaining she has never turned anyone away, "Which is something I'm very proud of.  We've all been through it.  I don't want to see any kids go hungry."

A box like this is intended for 1-3 people.  Recipient(s) may choose an addition 8 items that appeal to them.

Sometimes the Food Bank receives an excess of certain items, which are then then shared with other local non-profits such as Group Group Youth, school breakfast programs, and the women's shelter.

In short supply at the moment: tuna, soups, pasta sauce, and Kraft Dinner.

Pincher Creek's Community Food Bank  is located at 756 Kettles Street and is open to the public Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Every Wednesday the Food Bank hosts a free drop-in lunch from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  According to Susan Kuftinoff  that event has been so popular, regularly serving 40 or more, that they are considering expanding it to other days as well. It's sponsored by McMan FASD Lifespan Project, Pincher Creek Food Bank, and NAPI Friendship Association.  

Related stories:

Pincher Creek Food Bank faces new challenges

Food bank flooring covered by joint council

Food Bank asks for financial help to renovate new location
Food Bank to receive $5000 from MD of Pincher Creek
Town Council agrees to support McMan Agency's proposal to operate Food Bank


*correction, there are 29 children in grade 4, not 39 as originally stated.