Local organization building food pantry to help address food insecurity in the north
A new food pantry is opening up in Thompson, Man. to help address food insecurity in northern communities and the organization behind it is asking for donations.
Marymound, a youth and family social services organization, is expecting the pantry to be completed by mid-December and in full swing by the new year and the goal is to keep it stocked to help those who need it most.
Penny Brenton, the program coordinator for Marymound North, said the idea for the food pantry came after the local food bank in Thompson closed.
"So we figured, 'You know what, what a great way to start with a community food pantry where there is no judgment, no bias. Come take what you can, leave what you can,'" said Brenton.
She said the price of food has continued to skyrocket since the pandemic in the remote community and many families are struggling to put food on the table.
"Nobody should go hungry nowadays; there is just so much importance on the necessity of food for daily functions. So, for us, we're just so excited to have this opportunity to be a part of it and hopefully bring some much-needed food items to our community."
Having this ready around the holiday season is even more significant Brenton said, noting this time of year can be even more of a struggle for some.
"Our hope is with opening the community pantry it will ease some of the burden for northern families during the holiday season and beyond."
The new pantry is being built at 117A Commercial Place in Thompson.
Marymound is asking for any non-perishable food items to help stock the pantry. They can be dropped off in Thompson, where the pantry is being built, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Marymound's Winnipeg location is also accepting donations that will be sent up north. They can be dropped off at 442 Scotia Street on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monetary donations are also being accepted online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.