STITTSVILLE FOOD BANK

STITTSVILLE FOOD BANK=

YEAR END REPORT FOR 2= 010

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2010 was= a year of change for the Stittsville Food Bank. For the first time in several years, = the number of clients using our services did not increase from the previous yea= r. Another change was the decision not to hand out grocery store gift cards on a regul= ar weekly basis. This action took place in May of 2010. The handing out of the= se gift cards did continue for our three “special event” programs.= The one constant throughout the year was the generosity of this community in responding to our pleas for assistance, by either providing food items or money.

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We ended= the year continuing to serve families on Monday evenings with a plan to switch to Tuesdays effective January 2011. Through a special arrangement with the sta= ff at the Frederick Banting Alternate School, we continue to also assist some of their students. And, of course, we still offer our Special Programs; Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.<= /span>

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In 2010 = we served an average of 50 families a month, down from 53 in 2010. There were marginal drops in the number of people aged 19 and older and children under 4 years = of age with a more significant drop in the 4-18 age group.

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The Spec= ial Programs continue to be popular with our clients despite the reduced number= of families participating. For both Easter & Thanksgiving we provide groce= ry store gift cards. The Christmas Hamper Program offers grocery store gift ca= rds as well as a very complete hamper of food items including the client’s choice of a turkey or ham and gifts for all children 16 and younger. This program requires a special team to organize, purchase, sort, and pack the hampers. The Christmas coordinator works closely with the Client Services Director and the “gift angels” to ensure all requests are met.<= o:p>

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Our food= inventory continues to be well monitored and managed. Due to the on-going generosity = of this community, cash donations have allowed us to purchase additional perishable items as well as a selection of personal hygiene items. This permits us to provide enhanced nutrition and variety. The cash donations have also allowed us to be less dependent on receiving assistance from the Ottawa Food Bank.

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We conti= nue to collect non-perishable donations from food bins at Brown’s Independent Grocers, Giant Tiger, the Goulbourn Recreation Centre (compliments of our municipal councilor) and Holy Spirit Catholic Church. On a weekly basis, a dedicated group of people regularly pick up, sort and shelve this material.= As well, there are organizations that “sponsor” specific food item shelves and deliver them to us on a monthly basis.

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Our Food Drive = team has worked hard to ensure food drives from our generous donors are spread throughout the year. This means there are no longer periods of time when so= me of our shelves are bare. This team also sorts and stores these many items, checks best-before dates, and makes sure the shelves are not overloaded or under stocked. We are also indebted to the two community newspapers that willingly promote and advise the community about our needs and any upcoming food drives.

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Again th= is year, record cash donations were received. As a result, our financial status is excellent – again thanks to the generosity of so many businesses, organizations, service clubs and individuals.

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Finally,= I want to thank the approximately 50 volunteers who are the backbone of this organization. They do the ugly jobs, the hard work, and they do it well and with no fanfare or recognition; just self satisfaction.

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Thank yo= u.

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Robin De= rrick

Chair, S= tittsville Food Bank

February= , 2011