Gala Dinner

Tooting our Horn!

Saturday Feb. 25, 2012 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Gleaners' Tri-County Food Network Fifth Fund-raising Dinner

Distinguished Speaker Author and Journalist STEVIE CAMERON

Price $100/PP

Live Auction with Boyd Sullivan

The Banquet Centre 1 Alhambra Sq.., Belleville

For diet requests call 613.962.1222

FAQ

Why does the Tri-County Food Network need a warehouse?

• It is a regional hub to distribute to Quinte Regional Food Sharing Shelter members within the Tri-County region. We supply 9 regional food banks and Loyalist College, 60 school breakfast & snack programs, 30 non-profit agencies, 9 soup kitchens and seniors in affordable housing.

• For storage and refrigeration of food.

• Reduce overall operational costs to ensure that we direct more dollars to purchase food.

• Reduction of transportation costs as we will be located under one roof. Better accessibility for handicapped clients

• Property taxes will be $0 by owning our own building.

Why does the Tri-County Food Network need funds?

We need funds to cover the overhead associated with running our warehouse operations such as mortgage payments, trucking, utilities, daily operations and bulk food purchases. Our rural food banks are isolated and have limited resources.

Food Banks Canada and National Food Sharing System direct retail and industrial food items to us. The industrial items are then distributed by us to soup kitchens and non-profit agencies such as United Way of Quinte, Community Partners for Success, Bridge St.. meals and “Inn from the Cold”, Open Door Cafe and Bridging the Gap. We also cooperate with local agencies to assist with their clients e.g. CAS and Three Oaks. These hampers require delivery. We also network food, special dietary and personal needs to seniors in affordable housing.

Who visits a Food Bank?

People on Ontario Works(Welfare)and Employment Insurance(EI) as well as our working poor, physically and mentally challenged, seniors, students and the homeless. This region has been greatly effected by the loss of unionized jobs and those contributing to a sustainable wage. The closing and reduction of industries and businesses in our region has resulted in a client increase. To ensure that we are meeting client needs, QFRSS members meet quarterly to discuss day-to-day food bank operations.

How do we assess need?

Each client is interviewed to assess the individual need. The interviewer would further direct clients to alternative community resources such as: Job training, Further education, Housing, Social Agencies, and counseling Services.

How often can a person visit a Food Bank?

After each client has shown their income statement & I.D. their need is assessed and, based on need, the frequency of their visits is determined. As a rule they visit once a month. The interviewer would also provide a Resource Sheet with information on meal programs and The Good Food Box to supplement their food needs.

What is a Food Bank hamper?

Working with Hastings & Prince Edward Health Unit we have set up 5 hamper sizes which include staples (tuna, beans, pasta, vegetables, fruit, juice, cereals, peanut butter and rice etc.), optional items, perishables and personal items. These are supplied through National Food Sharing System, community food drives and bulk purchasing. Perishable items are purchased or donated. Optional items include such things as potatoes, granola bars, crackers, coffee and tea. Personal items (toothpaste, soaps, diapers) are donated through community food drives and National Food Sharing System.

Providing A Food Network For The Tri-County