“Christmas is a busier time of year with clients, but also with donations,” says Barbara Kilroy, President of the Manna Food Bank in Bracebridge.

  Part of the Ontario Association of Food Banks, the Bracebridge Manna Food Bank was started up 13 years ago independently. “We can participate in reclamation of goods through the Ontario Association on occasion, but we rely mostly on community related donations,” says Barbara

  The Bracebridge Manna Food Bank operates out of Bracebridge, and services the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the Township of Lake of Bays, as well.

  “We feed about 5,000 mouths annually, representing about 400 families,” says Barbara, explaining that over one-half of those fed are children. “These numbers are up an average of 25% this year,” she says, stating that the increase is the largest single year increase since they started.

  Asked why there was such an increase, she points to a number of factors -- part-time jobs at minimum wage with no benefits, people on social assistance and old age pensioners. “About 75% of the people that come to the Food Bank do so only between 1 and 4 times a year,” she says, adding that it is not a case of people looking for handouts and abusing the system.

  All this happens from the basement of the Lion’s Club Hall on Fraserburg Rd in Bracebridge. At last count there were 56 volunteers helping with this effort, including retired lawyers, doctors, schoolteachers and some former clients.

  One family who had a member helped by the Food Bank some years ago now donates over $1,000.00 worth of food each Christmas. “They call up and ask what is needed and have a great time shopping for it, “ Barbara says.

  The Manna Food Bank also takes cash donations, (over $36,000.00 was spent this year) to buy needed items that may be in short supply at any given time, such as infant formula, powdered milk, peanut butter, canned meat and fish, cheese slices, canned fruit and others. “The Town of Bracebridge gave a nice donation this year that helped keep us from having a shortfall due to the large increase in users this year,” Barbara said.

  Food items can be dropped off at the A&P and Your Independent Grocer in Bracebridge, but arrangements can be made to pick up food, too.

  Many community organizations and craft shows and local industries also collect food. The Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit has given a donation to help with milk products.

 “The local OSPCA had a day when they gave a free, pet nail-clipping in exchange for a donation to the food bank,” Barbara mentions, pointing out it was a great success.

  “The community is extremely generous with food and cheques,” Barbara emphasizes.

  For more information, or to make a donation please call the Bracebridge Manna Food Bank at 705-646-0114 between 1pm and 4pm Tuesdays and Fridays.