2019 sees unfortunate records broken at Viking and Holden Area Food Bank
In 2019, the Viking and Holden Area Food Bank gave out 174 hampers, breaking the previous record of 172 which was set in 2016. This growth came after two years of declining usage. The number of hampers was up from 161 in 2018, and 169 in 2017. In total, 250 different individuals benefited from one or more hampers this past year.
In 2019, the record usage was predominately from Viking. In previous years Holden residents generally received 30 to 40 per cent of all hampers, including 34 per cent of all hampers in 2018. However, Holden’s numbers dropped to 20 per cent this past year. Viking residents usually receive 55 to 65 per cent of hampers, receiving 61 per cent in 2018 and 57 per cent in 2017. In 2018 that number skyrocketed to 76 per cent. Bruce residents received 3 per cent of hampers and Kinsella residents received 1 per cent.
That is the least that has gone to Kinsella in several years, while Bruce’s numbers are down slightly.
Since other local communities are seeing a drop in usage, while at the same time the town of Viking is seeing a large increase in usage, the Food Bank has been trying to figure out of if this is a trend or an unusual spike. There is no clear answer to that. In 2018, the main reason given for Food Bank usage was health issues. That was true for most previous years. However, health problems fell to a tie for third as the most common reason for applying for a food bank hamper in 2019. Lack of work moved to number one, waiting for unemployment and other benefits moved to second, and unexpected expenses tied for third.
It is a clear sign that a rising percentage of Viking residents are unemployed or underemployed. Some of the increase has to do with the fact that housing is much more affordable in Viking compared with other communities, and so there are people struggling to find employment who are coming here to avoid homelessness while looking for work. With this, we are seeing a decrease in the average age of Food Bank users, including an increase in the number of children. One out of three food bank users are under the age 18.
The Viking and Holden Food Bank has been in operation since 2002. It is located in the same building as FCSS and Beaver Emergency Services. It is open on Wednesday mornings by appointment only. Residents are eligible for one hamper every three months but may request hampers more often in emergency situations. If the emergency request is approved, clients may receive as many as one hamper per month. All requests are made through Viking/Beaver FCSS. A team of volunteers fill the hamper requests with a mix of packaged food, fresh food, and toiletry items. The shelves are filled by donations received from local organizations and individuals.
Donations can be dropped off at various events in the community, at the local food bank, at any Viking church or at Vision Credit Union. Financial and food donations are accepted. Information on the food bank is available at www.vhfoodbank.com, through any local church or through FCSS.
Darren Anderson
