An update on the Norwood Foodbank
The local food bank has unfortunately been a vital and necessary resource in the community for many years. The recent pandemic and the current economic downturn have caused even greater need for its services. The dramatic increase in individuals and families experiencing food insecurities has put considerably more strain on the food bank to keep up with the demand. It currently has 96 registered clients, representing 242 people, including 83 children in need. This is almost four times the number of people that it served prior to the pandemic.
The organization is, in one respect very blessed and grateful to have a compassionate and committed team of more than 30 volunteers who are responsible for organizing and looking after “things.” Distribution days are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Norwood Town Hall.
The Asphodel Norwood Ministerial Association Food Bank is equally blessed to have generous donors who continue to support the less fortunate members of our community, including several organizations such as Stewart Motors, which provides a van twice a month to pick up their allotted food from Kawartha Food Share in Peterborough and the milk and bread that they purchase from the local Foodland. Regular contributions of food also come from Drain’s Egg Farm, Hilts Butcher Shop, Vanderhorst farms and Indian River Acres. Support also comes from the township, the Lions, the local legion and ladies’ auxiliary, the former Lioness,
Cornergate Foodland as well as many other individuals, churches and groups.
While it would first and foremost, like to thank the many businesses, service clubs and private citizens for their previous contributions to the food bank, the sad reality is the fact that its financial resources are currently stretched beyond its limits. Its volunteer grocery shoppers work hard to get the best deals possible however the significant increase in food requests and increased costs of foods has put even more strain on its limited monetary resources. So, it would be genuinely grateful for any supplemental donations of food or funds that donors could provide.
Most importantly, it wants the community to know that every recipient of food is genuinely thankful for your support. Using the food bank allows some clients to literally remain in their own homes. For others, it makes it possible for them to send their children to school with a nutritious lunch. The Asphodel Norwood Ministerial Association Food Bank sincerely appreciates all past donations and extends its heartfelt thanks to anyone who is able donate food or funds in the future.
The food bank can be reached by mail to: Asphodel Norwood Ministerial Assoc., PO Box 413, Norwood ON K0L 2V0. Monetary donations can also be made by e-transfer to: asphodelnorwoodfoodbank@gmail.com.
It can also be contacted by phone by calling Diane at 705-750-7360. Please remember to include your address to receive a CRA charitable donation tax receipt.
Upcoming fundraisers for June include a “Jam the Ram” event at J.J. Stewart’s June 7. The food bank will be represented at Showcase Norwood at the community centre on June 15; it will be collecting cash donations and food items. Also a unique fundraising singalong by the Norwood Area Ukulele Group will be held on June 18 at Norwood United Church. (There will be more details on this one later.)
The village food bank traces its origins back to around 1992, when a group of local individuals started to offer provisions to families in need. At the time they operated mainly from a local church. Officially the Norwood food bank was established in 1994 and operated from the “old” basement area in the town hall; in 1996 it became the Norwood and District Foodbank and received official charitable status. By 1998 it had joined the Ontario Association of Foodbanks; in the same year Kawartha Food Share established a warehouse to service all food programs in Peterborough City and County, and that included the Norwood food bank. From the beginning, the local churches had supported the initiative, and to reflect this it is commonly referred to as the Norwood & District Ministerial Food Bank. At the time the ministerial included most of the local churches. In 2013 a change was made to its charitable name, officially becoming the Asphodel Norwood Ministerial Association. The association status gives them the leeway to provide assistance to transients, the homeless, emergency situations and other special situations. From its official start the food bank has and continues to use the village town hall as its base of operations; this arrangement with the township is actually quite unique as the Asphodel Norwood food bank is one of the very few food banks that are provided with a freeof-charge municipal building to deliver its services from.
It has been the dedication of the community that has allowed The Asphodel Norwood Ministerial Association Food Bank to provide for residents in need for more than three decades. Through all that time it is led with a Christian commitment to always provide dignity, respect and compassion while meeting the food needs of the less fortunate.
Fundraising events planned for June to help the food bank keep giving
Good Eats, Yard Sales and Blue Whales
The Saturday morning of the May long weekend in Norwood has traditionally been a treasure hunter’s dream, with dozens of yard sales taking place throughout the streets. This year the beautiful weather offered the perfect opportunity for any entrepreneur planning to sell off their unneeded items, including the Lion’s Club, which hosted its annual combination yard sale and barbecue at the Norwood Lions Park. The club’s efforts were rewarded with many devoted bargain hunters stopping by to search for unique items from the tables of treasures and a tasty breakfast expertly prepared on the Lions barbecue grills.
Another May long weekend tradition that took place later in the day was the Lions time-honoured blue whale race; with their famous pod of more than 700 bathtub play toys making their annual trek down the mighty Ouse River. Crossing the finish line first this year to earn the $1,000 top prize was the super speedy whale belonging to Joe Crowley. In second was Irving Rumboldt’s whale, earning him a respectable $200. Floating into third place for $100 was the whale belonging to James Walst. The 10th-placed whale earned Patty Hall a quick $50 and finally prizes of $25 each went to Sherry Strutt and Gwen Sawyer for their whales placing.
The club expresses its appreciation to everyone for their support not just for the long weekend, but for all their community betterment projects.
Church Trivia Night
The pastoral charge of the Norwood and Westwood United churches is hosting a Trivia Night on May 31 at the Norwood Town Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. Come out for a fun evening of local and general trivia. Gather some friends to form a team of six, or just come on your own and meet new friends on the night. Admission is by donation and will support local youth and community activities. A cash bar will be provided by the Lions Club.