Location & accessibility is a big issue.  It would be great if some of these organizations could have a delivery service for sick people and the elderly that can't walk long distances.

 

You are allowed to go to one primary and one secondary (often small church food banks) in a month. The churches did this because of the fact that primary ones give so little and if you have a larger family like mine, it’s either go to a secondary food bank as well or half of us don’t eat. Only primary food banks cross reference which is why you can only go to one.  If you try to go to another primary one you WILL be turned away, but you won’t be if you go to a secondary food bank after visiting a primary one.  However, the way you are treated is also very different depending on if the food bank is a primary one or not. 

 

You can only visit once a month. In some areas you can go to more than 1 food bank in the area even if you accessed one of the primary ones. The food is what is donated. If you need the food you can’t really afford to be picky. If you get produce or bread, it often has mold on it. You get enough for 3 days. HOWEVER if you have more than 2 people, it’s not going to last that long. Those on OW/ODSP literally have no money for groceries. While baby bonus helps, it’s not much and what about those who don’t have children?  Heaven forbid you have health conditions that require a special diet such as gluten free, etc.

 

I wish they would get more donations of fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers and grocery stores.  Even if each family was given one bag of apples or oranges and a head of lettuce.\\

 

Going often costs money for the bus or taxi and most of the time, we do not even receive anything we will/can eat (and we are not picky eaters).

 

Instead of having to rely on food banks, it might be good if the government had some type of food program like food stamps for low income.  From what I read, these programs tend to now use cards similar to debit cards which would allow recipients to get at least the perishables like meat, dairy and produce.

 

My dilemma around access to food banks is the available hours and lack of weekend availability. Before it was fine, as I was not working, but being back in school full time now, I am finding it impossible with my course schedule to be able to access ANY.

 

Being in school full time and working part-time, most food banks hours are during the day on weekdays.  Evening hours would really help.

 

Would like to see more groceries stores getting involved with food banks.  Instead of throwing it out, they should be donating to those in need.

 

My family was turned away because of my hubby’s income, but he’s the sole income provider, which means he pays all of the bills.  Some months bills have been higher and not a lot left over for groceries. Personally I make it work, but there have been months where I could have used that little extra help, but because he makes what they deem “acceptable” amount of money, they have turned me away.