"And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
Jesus teaches that there are two great commandments: love of God and love of neighbour.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, food banks and community kitchens are playing an essential role in strengthening food security across our communities. These services help to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society have sufficient access to food -- a fundamental human right.
All members of the Parish of the Valley are invited to make contributions to food security agencies operating in their local communities. Periodically throughout the year we have a "Foodbank Sunday" and while we cannot gather in person or bring food donations to our church buildings this time, we encourage those who are able to drop off a donation to your local foodbank sometime in the month of June in advance of our "Foodbank Sunday" on June 27.
On Sunday, June 27th itself, someone will be available to receive donations to the St Joseph's Foodbank in Pembroke, both cash and food goods, in person. Donations can be dropped off at the front porch of Holy Trinity's Aborn House between 10-11am on Sunday June 27th.
If you're unsure which foodbank is closest to you, be sure to visit www.renfrewcountyfoodbanks.ca to find the one nearest you. A partial list of local agencies is provided below. Click on the agency names for more information:
Barry's Bay
Madawaska Valley Food Bank
Open the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Located on 8 Martin Street, Barry's Bay.
For clients receiving food, it is currently a drive by delivery system where the boxes are prepared prior to food bank day, so that we can put food in their trunks without them getting out of their cars. Post covid-19 we will hopefully be able to return to a shopping model where clients chose their own food from our shelves.
Cobden
Cobden and District Food Bank
Currently open Mondays 9am-noon.
Golden Lake
Enaji Madinamage Midjm - The Sharing Place Food Bank
Open 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am to 1pm. Please contact them through the contact information at the above link for location and drop off times.
Eganville
Eganville and District Community Food Bank
*Please call ahead to arrange a drop-off time: 613-401-5785 or drop off food donations at the Eganville Northern Credit Union.
Killaloe
Killaloe Food Bank
Open every other Tuesday from 3:30pm- 5:30pm - next open date is June 8.
Located at the Community Resource Centre, 12 North St. Killaloe
Food can be dropped off at the Killaloe Hardware Store.
Pembroke
The Grind Coffee House and Community Kitchen
The St. Vincent de Paul Society