Linda Godhue and Steve Kreider from the Tobermory Food Bank provided the Men’s Breakfast with a presentation on local food insecurity at our December 7th breakfast. Linda is a well-known community member and volunteer who has been with the food bank since 2012 just after moving here. In addition to leading the food bank, she plays a key part in organizing the distribution of toys for the annual Firefighter toy drive.
Steve moved to the peninsula in 2022 and soon became heavily involved in the community. He had worked as an Advanced Tech Trainer for students with special needs and has brought his technical expertise into his volunteer activities with the food bank. In addition to his executive duties with the food bank, he is also the treasurer for the Tobermory United Church and volunteers for the Bruce Peninsula Hospice and The Peninsula Bruce Trail Club.
Food insecurity is a relatively recent phenomenon in Canada and is defined as a situation where a family needs food but can’t afford to purchase it. The family is forced to decide among heat, hydro or food. Linda noted that 20% of households in Bruce-Grey experience this situation which creates an extra burden on our health care system as well as creating family tension and child anxiety. Seniors (especially women) on fixed incomes, primarily the OAS and OAS Supplement, are particularly affected with food insecurity. Families, although working, can be part of the “working poor” where total wages and benefits do not reflect the true cost of food and lodging. This could occur over the total year or seasonally. Bruce-Grey has the second highest cost of living in Ontario after Toronto.
The “foodshed” of the Tobermory Food Bank extends southward to Miller Lake beyond which the Lion’s Head Food Bank takes over. Tobermory Food Bank works closely and shares with the Lion’s Head and Wiarton food banks. There are 22 food banks in Bruce and Grey counties including 4 in Owen Sound. “OSHaRE” (Owen Sound food share) is a charity organization that provides free meals to people in need in Owen Sound and surrounding area.
Steve noted that there has been a tremendous increase in meals served this past year over the previous year. Detailed data on total number of meals served in Bruce-Grey and by individual food delivery programs can be obtained through the Bruce Grey Food App which is found at: www.foodbrucegrey.com. When I checked the app in preparing for this article the “Dashboard” indicated that year-to-date (December 12, 2024), a total of 209,307 meals had been distributed by 6 of the 23 programs.
The Tobermory Food Bank operates a ‘retail-style’ food delivery style whereby clients can go into the food bank (located at the Meeting Place) in order to ‘shop’ for their food. Food is obtained via Second Harvest collection, including near-expiry food items provided by Peacock’s Foodland, food donations by the community, and direct purchase. Cash donations are welcome as it allows the food bank to purchase specific items not otherwise provided.
“Poverty is not a lack of character but a lack of cash… the first time going to a food bank is a very difficult step” noted Linda. She also made it very clear that any interaction with clients is held in strict confidence. Anyone facing food insecurity can contact Linda (519-596-2333) or Steve Lindsay (519-851-3411) directly or indirectly via the food bank webpage (www.tobermoryfoodbank.ca).
If you wish to volunteer, please contact Steve at volunteers@tobermoryfood bank.ca
Submitted by the Men’s Breakfast. Published in the Bruce Peninsula Press.