Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada providing resources to support food banks in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut
TORONTO, March 28, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - As part of its national mandate to assist its member food banks across the country, Food Banks Canada announces the distribution of $121,258 to five food banks in the Canadian territories:
...Whitehorse Food Bank Society, Whitehorse, YT
...Dawson Shelter Society Food Bank, Dawson, YT
...Yellowknife Salvation Army Food Bank, Yellowknife, NWT
...Food Rescue, Yellowknife, NWT
...Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank, Iqaluit, NU
This support will allow recipient food banks to undertake essential work related to charitable food programs, nutrition research or education, and other client services.
"Hunger is a persistent problem right across Canada," said Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada. "Food bank use in the territories increased by 70% over the course of the recession, and resources have been severely stretched. We are very pleased to be able to distribute these funds to food banks in areas with very high rates of food insecurity, and that do not have access to a large funding base. We know that northern communities are hugely supportive of their food banks, and we're glad to be able to provide support to these communities."
"This is huge for us," said Jen Hayward, of the Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank, in Iqaluit. "The support will go a long way in meeting our ever increasing demand. Though individuals and the business community in Iqaluit are incredibly supportive, we need all the help we can get."
This support to food banks in the territories is a portion of a total of $1,566,298 that has been distributed to the food bank community across the country, resulting from a court order to contribute funds through Food Banks Canada from the Vitamins Class Action lawsuit.
Food Banks Canada continues to find new ways of supporting food banks, including those in the territories, with food, funds and other support.
About Food Banks Canada Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our Members, Affiliate Member food banks, and their respective agencies serve approximately 85% of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short-term need for food and find long-term solutions to reduce hunger. Please visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.
