Northumberland Dairy Producers have once again made a generous donation to area food banks.
In total, a 1/4 ton of butter was delivered to the food banks including Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank from Northumberland Dairy Producers.
“We wanted to give back to the community, because the community does so much for us,” said dairy farmer Joshua Kapteyn.
Even during the Santa Claus parade in Cobourg and Warkworth while candy canes were being handed out the Northumberland Dairy Producers handed out nearly 4,500 healthy cheese strings.
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank Board Secretary Harry Meester said it was a “fantastic donation.”
People who use the food bank are used to margarine, because butter is almost a luxury item.
“It also shows the wonderful partnership with the Northumberland Dairy Producers. We know now the County is behind us and I think to us it’s affirming to have so many people support us.”
The unfortunate part is the food bank is needed even more.
“We’re having a hard time keeping up with the demand. We are breaking records every week.,” said Meester.
“It’s challenging to meet the needs that are out there.”
This year, the Food Bank has purchased approximately 290,000 pounds of food which is 100,000 more pounds of food than last year.
For November 2023 there were 1,731 families that used the Food Bank.
Last year there were 1,107 which is 624 more families using the Food Bank for the month.
“Northumberland County is very generous, but our donations are down,” said Coordinator Erin Hunter.
“Everyone is struggling right now and we’re seeing people coming into the Food Bank for the first time ever.”
“They are the working poor. They have full-time jobs and they’re still not making it.”
Hunter said they are grateful for every single donation and once again said “Northumberland County is very generous, but it’s still not enough.”
In November 2023, 4,865 individuals were fed from the Food Bank and in October the number was 3,830 which is 1,035 more individuals fed for November.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
