A food box has been placed behind the Marguerite Riel Centre and will be left with food in it for those in need on evenings and weekends. (Rachel May/northeastNOW)

By Rachel May

Free Pantry

Little box could be big help for those in need

Oct 26, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Take what you need, leave what you can.

That’s the motto of a new food box initiative by the Marguerite Riel Centre (MRC).

The box, located behind the centre, is stocked with pantry items to provide food for those in need and others experiencing hardship or financial difficulties in the community.

“We started as a pilot project last weekend. There is a large box that one of our staff members built for us,” said Joanne Yakowec, director of operations for MRC. “The idea is to place some food in it for the evening and weekends for those who need it when the centre is closed.”

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While the MRC will regularly fill the box with food supplies, it is also inviting members of the community to do the same by donating non-perishable food items.

Due to the safety and health of those using the service, open boxes of food, outdated food, and home-cooked meals will not be accepted at this time.

“This project is important to us and the community,” Yakowec said. “We want to help fill in some gaps and make sure people have some nutritious food especially in the winter.”

While the food box will be accessible in the evening and over the weekends, those in need of food during the day can make arrangements by calling ahead or going into the MRC.

According to Yakowec, the initiative is in response to the increasing number of homeless individuals in the Northeast.

“We are noticing an increase in homelessness in our community. People who are sleeping outside on benches,” Yakowec said. “At this time of the year, it’s a bit too cold to be sleeping outside and not have any food.”

To donate or learn more about the project, visit the Marguerite Riel Centre on Facebook.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM