Many misconceptions surrounding food banks still exist and while some food banks operate slightly different, here are seven common myths regarding the Nourish House Food Bank.
Myth #1 – Everyone who uses the food bank is either unemployed or on welfare.
There could be a few reasons why someone would access the food bank. With a rise in the cost of living, our community is experiencing a variety of life circumstances that make it difficult to make ends meet. This could include unanticipated increases in household costs due to moving homes, changing jobs, having an additional mouth to feed, or an unexpected injury or illness, etc.
According to Food Banks Canada1, March 2021 recorded 1.3 million visits to local food banks in Canada which was an increase of 20 percent from 2019. Food banks are visited by everyone, and at Nourish House Food Bank, no one is turned away. Rapid food inflation, rising housing costs, low and stagnant incomes all contribute to the reasons as to why someone would access the food bank.
When people were asked why they accessed the food bank, the number one reason was the cost of food. Food prices have outpaced incomes and continue to rise as wages remain the same. Additionally, people said the cost of housing was also a reason why they used the food bank. With high rental prices in combination with high utility prices, the majority of a household’s budget is allocated towards housing costs.1
Myth #2 – The food bank only offers non-perishables.
Non-perishables are food items that do not spoil quickly when stored at room temperature. They typically last one year stored on the shelf. Some examples of non-perishable food items include dried pasta and canned foods. At Nourish House Food Bank, we offer more than just non-perishable food items. We also carry fresh produce, meats, breads, and dairy products. We choose foods based on the FANS philosophy, which seeks to provide the community with fresh, affordable, nutritious, and seasonal food items. The food is sourced and produced locally to not only support our community, but also to limit the environmental impact of food travelling from a distance.
During our food bank hours of operation, we also offer prepared food and/or beverages to go. If you come to the side door during food bank hours of operation and ring the doorbell, our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
Myth #3 – The food bank only distributes food items.
While Nourish House Food Bank does distribute perishable and non-perishable food items, we also have other items available for visitors. Our selection includes a variety of personal hygiene items, menstrual products, incontinence products, household essentials, and pet products.
Myth #4 – You receive a hamper of food items at the food bank.
We operate a shopping-style food bank which means that you can choose the food you receive based on your needs and preferences. Each month, your household will be offered a points budget to be use when choosing your food. The number of points you receive is determined by the number of people within your household. Items within the food bank have points cost, which are demonstrated on our shelves by using bright colours. For example, any items marked with yellow costs 1 point. As you shop, we can keep track of your points for you. Or, if you’d like, you can shop and keep track of your points on your own. We aim to provide community members with approximately 14 days worth of food each month.
Myth #5 – The food bank uses means testing to determine eligibility.
Means testing is a process in determining whether an individual or family is eligible for food access programming, based on their income. While Nourish House Food Bank will register individuals on their first visit by answering a few personal questions, this is information is only used by TNDF to help strengthen our programs, apply for grants, and advocate for changes to public policy.
During the registration process, we ask for a piece of identification from all members of the household. If identification is not available, or if you would like to be registered anonymously, please let our team know. Questions asked include name, address, date of birth, dietary needs and preferences, income, and expenses. Giving this information is optional. Any statistics we share does not have any names or personal identifiers included.
Myth #6 – You can only visit the food bank once a month.
Households are allowed two visits each month. You can split your points however you would like between these two visits. Splitting your points ensures that you will have perishable food items like milk, eggs, meat, fruits, and veggies all month long. It also makes it easier for you to transport your groceries home if you are walking. Once you have used up all your points, or once you have visited twice within a month, you must wait until the following month to return. Your points allotment and 2 visits will reset at the beginning of each month. Unused points do not carry over to the next month.
Myth #7 – You need a local address to visit the food bank.
Our immediate service area is Cannington and Brock Township however we recognize there are a number of reasons why someone from outside of our immediate area may wish to access our services. For example, some folks may be uncomfortable with accessing the food bank in their community because they do not want their neighbours to know they need food bank support. Or perhaps someone works odd hours and the food bank in their community doesn’t have hours which align with their schedule.
If you are unsure of which food banks and emergency food services are in your area, give us a call and we can assist you in finding one that is best suited to your location and needs.
f you, or someone you know, is in need of food – simply call (705-432-2444) or email (info@tndf.ca) to register with us and book a shopping appointment. Our welcoming staff will assist you through the process and ensure that the experience is safe, comfortable, and that best suits you and your family’s needs and preference.
Last July, TNDF served 96 individuals through our food bank. In July of this year, we served 157. That’s a 63.5% increase. In order to meet the growing need, we need your help.
If you are able to support our food bank you can make a donation any time online at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/14243 or by dropping by at 16 York St, Cannington between 9 am and 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Food and financial donations are both much appreciated!
