MORE THAN JUST A FOOD BANK...

 

 

Visitors to the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank are surprised by the variety of programs that are offered. Employment and personal counselling, legal clinic, cloth diaper program, nutrition workshops, craft program, Small Steps to Success, and used clothing distribution makes us, “More than a Food Bank.”

In addition to assisting over 1600 families within its facility each month, the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank reaches out to provide food to over 32 community agencies in programs and outreach services.

 

 

 

EMERGENCY HAMPER

Like most food banks throughout Canada the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank provides emergency food hampers to assist individuals in immediate need. Our emergency hamper program is designed to provide a variety of food items to those experiencing immediate need. The number of hampers that we distribute each month has been on the rise over the past year.

CSHFB works in partnership with the Salvation Army to provide people with emergency food assistance eight times a year. In addition to providing food, the Emergency Food Assistance program distributes copies of ‘Food Links,’ a listing of food assistance programs that are available throughout the week.

Your support is critical in helping us respond to these increasing needs!

 

MOST NEEDED ITEMS

Small peanut butter

canned pasta

pasta sauce

apple juice

cereal

powdered milk

canned fruit

canned vegetables

canned beans

balsamic rice

shampoo

toothpaste

 

 

 

 

 

 

CO-OP PROGRAM

The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is unique in operating a Food Co-operative program for low-income individuals and families.

As well as providing a stable source of groceries, Co-op membership offers opportunities for skill development and personal growth. Members assist Food Bank staff to carry out many administrative, warehouse, and maintenance tasks. The Co-op offers opportunities for members to practice their people skills and prepare for the job market. They learn to work as an effective team and to recognize the talents and contributions of others.

 

Please contact Rose ext. 114 or  ET ext. 109

 

 

CRAFT

Through the Craft Committee, members receive donated materials from co-op members and local church groups. Participants make crafts as their work contribution giving the finished products to the Food Bank as items for sale. Proceeds are returned to the Craft Program to allow the purchase of materials to be used by crafters or to teach a new craft to members.

 

 

COMMUNITY GARDENING

Community gardens have become where people who live in apartments / condos, or don't have enough space at their own homes, can use these gardens to grow their fresh food.

 

Benefits of the Community Gardens
• The gardens help people from different cultures and socio-economic groups to interact with the same common goal
• Allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to socialize in a comfortable atmosphere. This creates opportunities to talk about gardening, meal preparation etc.

 

 

MENTOR PROGRAM

This program offers training and supervision to co-op members who want to learn new skills and assume more responsibility within the Food Bank. Participants are offered training in communication skills, customer service, conflict resolution, teamwork, problem solving, and health and safety practices. They are taught where to go for information, when and how to make referrals to other agencies and how to conduct outreach and orientation activities.

The Food Bank believes that clients need the support and encouragement of others to become more self-reliant. Mentors act as role models, coaches, and friends to people who access the Food Bank’s programs and services, Food Bank members gain job-related experience and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem.