SHARE Receives Food Banks Canada Grant To Further Access In Our Community
Posted on August 13, 2024 by
SHARE Receives Food Banks Canada Grant To Further Access In Our Community
SHARE is grateful for the Food Banks Canada Access grant that was used to help individuals and families across the Tri-Cities. SHARE implemented the recommendations outlined in their Accessibility and Equity Guide, working towards creating more welcoming spaces for equity-deserving populations that are accessing SHARE’s programs and services.
This grant helped SHARE to meet community needs, provides immediate relief, and promotes mental health and a sense of comfort and belonging in situations beyond their control.
The grant was used to:
- Purchase foods that are nutritious, in demand, and culturally preferred
- Increase the hours of the Community Navigator who helps guide people with information about resources
- Translate Food Bank information to ensure that everyone in our community is included by eliminating language barriers
- Provide cultural awareness training for SHARE’s staff and volunteers, with topics comprising DEI, trauma-informed care, bias, language and cultural barriers, sensitivity and empathy, and competency.
- Work with SHARE’s partner, the House of Omeed, to provide food for refugees and newcomers
The number of individuals accessing the SHARE Food Bank has increased over the past twelve months: every week there are new seniors, families, students, and young people seeking help. This grant substantially impacted SHARE’s ability to purchase bulk fresh fruits and vegetables, dried and tinned goods, and culturally diverse food for those in need.
The Food Banks Canada grant was used in part to reduce the waitlist for SHARE’s Community Navigator, who provides comfort and conduit to SHARE and other community services using a strength-based, barrier-free approach. Systemic issues they support include poverty, unemployment, stigma, medications/drugs, isolation, mental health, and health issues. The bilingual navigator sees up to 45 food bank registered clients daily, focusing on fundamental needs, including food, shelter, physical and mental health, 2SLGTBQIA+, clothing, transportation, income, language, and substance use.
About SHARE
Since 1972, SHARE, a registered, non-profit charity, has provided services to help connect, engage, and strengthen individuals. SHARE’s services touch over 29,000 people in the Tri-Cities area annually. For more information about SHARE, please visit www.sharesociety.ca.