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Ponoka Food Bank going strong despite increased usage

While the Ponoka Food Bank is seeing an uptick in users, which is typical after the holidays, their shelves are currently full.
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(Adobe stock image)

While the Ponoka Food Bank is seeing an uptick in users, which is typical after the holidays, their shelves are currently full.

Manager Violet Smith said that patronage of the food bank does rise after Jan. 1, as sometimes people have longer periods between paycheques around the holidays.

Other reasons they are seeing an increase of food bank usage is lack of work or illness.

Despite the needs, they are currently fully stocked with essentials and staple items.

“Our community has been very generous over the Christmas season,” said Smith.

While the food bank is not currently in need, Smith said donations are still gladly accepted, as things can change rapidly.

“We can put a lot of food out in a month,” she said.

Smith added that in her 23 years with the food bank, they’ve never turned away a family in need for any reason.



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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