Families receiving help from South East Helping Hands Foodbank are getting a boost thanks to a recent donation of diapers and infant formula, items that staff say can make a significant difference for young parents struggling with rising costs.
The Steinbach-based food bank recently received two large bins of diapers collected during the Festival of Life on May 31, along with a supply of infant formula donated through a Winnipeg-based collection effort.
For Operations Manager Ken Dyck, the donation highlights both the generosity of the community and the ongoing need among local families.
"We've got a lot of this stuff for young kids. We don't always have it, but right now it seems like we're going to have it for a bit."
@steinbach_online #SouthEastHelpingHands recently received two large bins of diapers collected during the #FestivalofLife, along with a supply of infant formula donated through a Winnipeg-based collection effort. #communityhelpingcommunity ♬ Beautiful Moments - Musik Relaksasi ID
Essential support for young families
Diapers and formula are among the most expensive necessities for families with infants and toddlers. While food prices continue to rise, parents of young children often face additional financial pressure from these specialized products.
"Go to a store and look at diapers and formula, the price of it, it's not cheap," says Dyck.
The food bank works to provide those items whenever possible, helping reduce costs for families already facing difficult financial situations.
Donations continue to arrive
Dyck says donations arrive regularly, often without any advance notice.
"We're not sure from where, but it just keeps coming."
While South East Helping Hands primarily serves Steinbach and surrounding communities, support comes from well beyond the city.
"They're coming from Winnipeg. They're coming from other communities even," says Dyck. "There's a lot of businesses there that send stuff to us too."
When the food bank receives more than it can use, it shares surplus items with other food banks throughout the region.
"If we've got an abundance of anything, we let all the food banks know and they can come pick up," says Dyck.
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New equipment improves tracking
The organization also recently received a new pallet scale, something Dyck says has been needed for years.
The scale was made possible through support coordinated by Canada Packers and other donors.
"A brand new one," says Dyck. "I've been wanting one and we've needed one for a long time already. We can give actual weights now."
The equipment will help provide accurate figures for large food drives and donation campaigns.
"Like the youth drive, they want numbers and so do a lot of other groups," says Dyck. "So now we can give them the numbers, not guessing at it."
Demand continues to grow
Although some families have been able to move beyond needing food bank support, Dyck says demand overall continues to increase.
"We've got a few that have turned in their cards because things have gotten better," he explains. "But we also have double that amount that are registering."
He points to the ongoing cost of groceries and everyday living expenses as major factors.
"To buy a cart full of groceries nowadays, that's a couple hundred dollars for sure, if not more," says Dyck.
Community generosity making a difference
Office Manager Kali Loeppky says large donations like the recent diaper collection demonstrate how much people care about helping others.
"It doesn't surprise me with how generous our community is and everyone around us," she says. "But it's always great to see."
Working in the office allows Loeppky to meet many of the families who rely on the food bank's services and witness the impact those donations have firsthand.
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She says one of the most powerful moments is seeing the relief clients experience when support is available.
"You see them come in and the relief you can see in some people is astonishing," says Loeppky.
While the recent diaper and formula donations will help many young families, Dyck says there is always a need for additional support. The food bank is currently seeking items such as crackers, cereal, mixed vegetables, pork and beans, juice boxes, granola bars and other school snacks.
"The community is amazing and they just keep on giving," says Dyck. "When we ask for something, it doesn't take long. Within a week, we've got pretty much what we need."
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