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Vol. 17, No.16, Wednesday, March 23, 2022 www.LamontLeader.com
THIS IS SPRING? WINTER STORM STRIKES FIRST DAY OF SPRING A spring snowstorm caused poor road conditions in Lamont County, March 20. County officials advised Elk Island Public Schools that roads were not expected to be cleared the morning of March 21 which resulted in EIPS cancelling morning school buses for Lamont and Andrew, although schools remained open. Above someone used a tractor to carve a path down a Township Road as seen from Secondary Highway 834. Photo by Crystal Moren
Lamont County food bank sees increase in need BY JANA SEMENIUK The County of Lamont Food Bank held its annual general meeting on March 16 at the Lions club building in Lamont. Treasurer Chris Mintenko gave a very detailed report on the status of the food bank, including statistics on recipients and funding for the past year. This past Jan. saw the highest number of recipients, with 173 individuals spread over 66 households using the food bank that month. The largest demographic of the 173 people were children under the age of 18 which made up 36 per cent, and the smallest demographic was for adults aged 19–24 which made up seven percent. Seniors over the age of 60 made up 19 percent. While the number of hampers being distributed has been steadily rising
over the years, the largest increase came in 2021 when the number of hampers jumped from 456 in 2020 to 573 in 2021. In addition, the number of children benefiting from the food hampers also skyrocketed from 360 in 2020 to 856 in 2021. “I feel like during the pandemic people were getting income support because of covid and when it ends, they are back to relying on the foodbank from time to time. I can’t be certain, but it seemed to be a trend,” said Board Chair Jody Zachoda. “During the pandemic our numbers for clients on financial supports didn’t change very much. But families who relied on jobs were the ones who had the most significant change and needed more support.” Funding for the foodbank came from a variety of sources including collec-
tion containers peppered throughout the county beside tills on store counters, personal donations, government grants in addition to other unexpected donations. Last Feb., Elk Island Public Schools generously donated $45,000 to the food bank, normally spent on their lunch program, when schools were shut down during the pandemic. “They gave us $45,000 to use for the year and we had to give back what we didn’t use. We wound up giving back $22,000,” said Mintenko. “That was the agreement. It was for a year.” Zachoda further explained that the money could only be spent on food or mileage to purchase the food. In terms of ways people can help, Zachoda said the food bank lists much needed items weekly on online. Meanwhile, the group has a goal of
one day being able to purchase its own building. “It would be great to have our own building so we can do community kitchens. Teach people how to budget, buy groceries and cook freezer meals,” said Zachoda. Mintenko added that a space of 5,000 plus square feet would be ideal. Meanwhile, new board chair, Jody Zachoda and a new director, Kari Siewert, were elected to the committee as well as new vice chair Jodie Conley. Darren Anderson and Chris Mintenko remain as secretary and treasurer respectively while Susan Campbell resigned after 17 years. Judy Shaw and Jason Wytrykush have also remained on the board as directors.
