The Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank staff members are excited to offer more balanced and nutritious food hampers with the installation of its new cold frame earlier this year.
“There is a lot of sickness and diabetes on (the Nation) and we wanted to help hampers be more healthy,” explained Nayo Snow, the food bank operations supervisor.
Money for the project came from a Red Cross grant the Nation received to help rebuild following the 2013 flood. The project, that has been years in the making, finished in May.
“We have been trying to have a garden here for a couple of years,” Snow said.
“The main source of our food is from the Calgary Food Bank and while we are (grateful), usually half of the loads are junk food.”
The food operations manager explained the last load the Iyahrhe Nakoda Food Bank received from Calgary included five pallets of potato chips.
“Once we sort the good and bad, we usually have enough to last us three weeks. We have to supplement (the hampers) by purchasing nutritious food.”
The food bank hands out between 30 and 50 hampers a day. Hampers are handed out by appointment on Tuesdays for singles, Wedensdays for familes of two to four and Thursdays for families of five or more.
Now, with the installation of the new garden, hamper recipients will also be able to fill their cupboards with potatoes, carrots, beans, tomatoes, red peppers and beets – to name a few.
While the staff has not been able to harvest anything yet, Snow said they are excited to offer “fresh and healthy food” and are open to partnering with local gardening buffs for tips and tricks on how to maintain a garden.
“The more help the better,” Snow said.
To get involved, email Snow at [email protected].
