Vegreville Food Bank Seeking Volunteers

Vegreville Food Bank Seeking Volunteers

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Vegreville Food Bank is currently seeking volunteers.

Joanna Karczmarek, Coordinator of the Vegreville Food Bank Society, said they need at least seven more volunteers, and ideally 15 in order to have a healthy volunteer base.

“In terms of volunteer numbers, a healthy volunteer base ensures that volunteers are not overworked and has replacements that are available if someone needs to stay home due to illness,” stated Karczmarek.

With the federal government’s announcement on August 20 to transition as many Canadians as possible back to the Employment Insurance (EI) system at the end of the month, a surge in the number of food hamper recipients is expected.

According to the government press release, changes to the Employment Insurance, (EI) program and new income support benefits will better support all Canadians.

They also announced that in preparation for this transition and to ensure support continues for Canadians whose employment has been impacted by the pandemic, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended by an additional four weeks to a maximum of 28 weeks. This means that for the many Canadians expecting to exhaust their CERB benefits at the end of August, they will now be able to access an additional month of support.

As well, “EI will now be available to more Canadians, including those who would not have qualified for EI in the past, adding more than 400,000 people into the program. Those receiving EI will be eligible for a taxable benefit rate of at least $400 per week, or $240 per week for extended parental benefits, and regular benefits will be accessible for a minimum duration of 26 weeks.

The government will continue to work with provinces and territories to ensure Canadians receiving EI benefits have access to skills training and employment supports, to help them get back to work.”

To prepare for the potential increase we are currently seeking and training volunteers,” noted Karczmarek. “Ourclient numbers were significantly lower this April than last year, a difference of 41 households. They are trending upward, however, and we will likely see a surge in the fall. In my opinion, the CERB applications being opened in April, a one time increase of $300 per child in the May Canada Child Benefit, (CCB) installment, and many people trying to stay home as much as possible are all reflected in our stats. I believe that when the CERB ends this September we will get a spike in client numbers, and again in May after CERB income has been taxed. Unemployment could become an increasing factor if businesses are not able to recoup after the impact of COVID-19.”

The food bank is currently in need of hygiene products, and we accept used plastic bags and reusable bags. Donations are always welcomed. For more detailed information contact the Vegreville Food Bank.