Fundraising BBQ, food drive for Sioux Lookout Food Bank a success despite rainy weather

Tim Brody - Editor

Rainy, cool weather last Saturday couldn’t stop the warmth in people’s hearts when it comes to supporting the people in their community.
The Sioux Lookout Food Bank held a fundraising BBQ and food drive on Sept. 21 at Giant Tiger and Food Bank Manager Amanda Landgraff shared, “We are so thankful for everyone who came out today to support the food bank…despite the rain! We raised about $875 in donations and sales from the BBQ! It was so great of Giant Tiger to donate all the drinks and food for the BBQ, they really helped us make the event such a success. 
“The community donated several boxes of food as well, approximately two grocery carts full of food.”
Landgraff commented, “The Sioux Lookout Food Bank continues to serve new households in the community every month as well as many who have accessed the food bank before. We want to continue to get the word out that our services are free; we provide free food support to anyone in the Sioux Lookout area who needs it. We serve families, couples, single people, elders, anyone. We are seeing more and more people who work, even some who work full time, and because of the high costs of living, they are reaching out for food support so they can pay their other bills.”
Landgraff continued, “The number of hampers provided each month was a bit lower in the summer, with an average of 85 per month. But already in September we’ve seen that go back up and I wouldn’t be surprised if we provide over 100 hampers this month. It’s hard to think that so many households are struggling, but we’re also so glad that we can help. This is what the food bank is here for!”
She concluded, “Recently we’ve been so blessed to receive fresh produce from people in town. We’ve had donations of cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, and also apples. We are trying to spread the word that if anyone has extra veggies from their garden, or apples from their trees, that we would love to receive them and share them in the food hampers we provide. They can just call or text the food bank’s cell at 807-738-6896 if they want to donate something. Next year we’d like to even ask people to “Grow a Row” in their garden for the food bank.”