BY
BILL BRADLEY
Despite the economic boom in the city, community food agencies
say many people are suffering and going hungry.
"The current hunger count we did estimated that 13,500 people
get food assistance from the 42 agencies that make up the
Sudbury Food Bank. Sure there are jobs but people do not
realize that most jobs - 80 percent - pay less than $10 per
hour," says Dan Xilon, administrator of the Sudbury Food
Bank.
"When the rents for apartments are going through the roof
because the vacancy rate is less than one percent, you know
people are choosing between paying rent and buying food, even
if they are working."
It's not just food banks that are catering to a higher demand
for services this year.
"Food banks can only help one person or a family once a month,
with an average of three to five days of food to get by. The
big demand is coming from the food providers-soup kitchens and
missions. They feed people every week or every day," Xilon
says.
"We have been serving 125 people per night on average and we
are seeing spikes in demand we have not seen before such as in
the middle of the month," said Pastor Bob Walsh, director of
the Elgin St. Mission.
"If you receive $535 on Ontario Works and you pay $455 per
month rent, you are running out of money sooner. We also are
seeing the working poor asking for help. There is no city in
Canada where, if you only make minimum wages or under $10 per
hour as a dad, that you can house your family in a two bedroom
apartment and have money for food all month," said Walsh.
The Elgin Street Mission has had to increase their requests
from the Sudbury Food Bank due to the rising need in the
community.
Aside from donating food directly this holiday season, there is
another way to help. The Sudbury Food Bank is selling Christmas
and holiday cards with the proceeds being used to stock the
shelves.
This year the card features a wreath made up of apples, grapes,
pears, oranges and peaches, which is centred across the card,
along with their motto - It is better to give than it is to
receive.
"Our card this year is very popular - we also have it in three
styles - in French, in English as a Christmas card, and also as
a holiday card," Xilon says.
"The card cost the same as last year, which is $5 per card and
you get a tax receipt if you buy five or more cards.
That way you benefit and the people we help benefit; it's a win-win situation," Xilon says.
The cards are designed by Neil Cutchaw and printed by Journal
Printing, courtesy of the New Sudbury Centre.  The cards
are available at Lougheeds Flower Shop (252 Regent St.), Island
Ink Jet (New Sudbury Centre), Backyard Birder (Long Lake Rd.)
and at the Sudbury Food Bank office at 634 Notre Dame Ave.,
which is open 8 am to 5 pm weekdays.
"Everything we have asked for we have received, but I tell you
this we need the support coming from the sale of these
Christmas and holiday cards. Please buy them and help someone
in need," said Walsh.
For more information, phone the Sudbury Food Bank at
671-9663.
