Cornerstone Foodbank
Cornerstone Foodbank is a ministry of Hope Community Church and has been in existence for thirteen years. At the present time, an average of thirty people, representing approximately forty adults and twenty children, visit the foodbank regularly. The majority of these people receive social aid, which does not leave them with much to spend on food once their rent and other monthly bills are paid.
The foodbank is open every third Saturday morning and is staffed entirely by volunteers. It is set up like a grocery store so that people can choose items that they like. As well as non-perishable items, we distribute milk, bread, fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables, fruit and yogurt. We also alternate giving meat or eggs and cheese. All of these things are bought using the donations we receive.
The foodbank relies totally upon people’s generosity. Regular monthly financial support comes from some members of Hope Community Church, Green Ridge Baptist Church, and Global Excel. Members of St. Mark’s Chapel donate food faithfully every week, and other churches collect non-perishable items as well. Usually around Christmastime, we received some generous donations from individuals or groups.
Community groups, schools and business’s play a role in the foodbanks by holding food drives or fund-raising events. Bishop’s College School and various groups at Bishop’s University have yearly food drives. We also receive a portion of the funds raised at such events as Empty Bowls, organized by Lucy Doheny and others from Bishop’s and Champlain, and the annual garage sale at HCC, organized by Don and Jackie Loughheed and friends. The staff at Provigo also raise money for the foodbanks with their “Give a little, help a lot” campaign.
For the past two years, the staff of Global Excel have hosted a Christmas Community Supper, inviting those who use the foodbank to come. It is a real highlight of the season for those who attend, with a great meal, a visit from Santa with gifts for the children, and lovely door prizes.
Anyone wishing to make a donation of non-perishable items of food, personal hygiene products or cleaning products may leave them in the basket at the exit of Jean Coutu Pharmacy or at Tri-knit-t, opposite Provigo. If you wish to contribute financially, cheques should be made payable to Hope Community Church, 102, Queen St., Sherbrooke QC, J1M 1J6. Please designate Cornerstone Foodbank on the cheque. A tax receipt will be issued.