Goldstream Food Bank

A box of tissues is at the ready for those who use the Goldstream Food Bank.

“There’s people that cry and say: ‘I never thought I’d be in this position in my life,’ ” said food bank president Gayle Ireland. “A lot of us, especially in Victoria, are one paycheque away or one assistance cheque away from being very, very needy.”

Use of the food bank dropped early in the pandemic as people self-isolated, Ireland said, but the need has since picked up.

In October, 213 hampers were given out, helping 550 people — 196 of them children.

The food bank is run in a dignified manner, she said. “We treat people like we’d want to be treated.”

It has been operating since 1983, and is currently headquartered in the basement of the Langford legion on Station Avenue.

Like other food banks, Goldstream was started to respond to an emerging need.

“It was supposed to be a solution to help out residents in the community,” said Ireland, who has been with the food bank since 1986.

Churches, service groups and prominent citizens were among those who banded together to make sure that everyone had enough to eat, she said. It was originally called the Community Food Bank.

Ireland said the food bank is ready to do whatever is required to help people. “If things start rising, we’re ready to snap into action.”

She said preparations are underway for the holiday season.

“We’re getting ready for Christmas and our Christmas hampers will be going out,” Ireland said. “We’ll handle people on an emergency basis if they fell through the cracks and need our support.”

While the food bank appreciates grocery donations for the hampers, it also relies heavily on gift cards at Christmas, she said. That’s because the food bank can use its buying power and relationships with suppliers to double any money that is donated. Most of the food is purchased, but it also comes directly from citizens and local stores, Ireland said.

Goldstream Food Bank users have been changing lately, she said. “I see a lot more elderly people. There’s a lot people on disability.”

Ireland said many people who come have trouble paying their bills “and just need a little help.”