The Employee-Owners of Friesens Corporation are continuing to support local businesses and organizations by participating in the spring Altona Food Bank – Food Drive.
At Friesens Corporation, we’re all about giving back to our community, both locally and nationally. Our commitment to community involvement inspires our employee-owners to volunteer and contribute in meaningful ways.
It can be challenging to see the needs in our community; the numbers have increased a lot since I started. ~ Jennifer Giesbrecht
Earlier this year, our amazing team donated $7,481 to the food bank, and Friesens Corporation added another $5,000. Plus, we regularly donate food items to help keep the food bank stocked and ready for those in need.
Jennifer Giesbrecht, who has been part of our People & Culture team and an employee-owner for the past 15 years, has been volunteering with the food bank for the last 3.5 years. Jennifer shared that volunteering comes with its mix of rewards and challenges. She explains, “At the food bank, I love meeting the people that come in. Some people come in regularly and some come in from time to time when they need a little extra food for the week. It can be challenging to see the needs in our community; the numbers have increased a lot since I started but attendance at the Food Bank continues to be steady. Grocery prices are not decreasing and feeding our families continues to be a challenge. There is also a cultural shift in some of the foods that families partake of. Staples that are always in demand are: breakfast cereal and oatmeal, canned soup, canned fruit and vegetables, canned beans, pasta, rice, canned meats, Mr. Noodle, Kraft Dinner and peanut butter. Some of the frequently requested items that we do not regularly stock are chunky soups, sugary cereals and flavored individual instant oatmeal packages. As summer comes, and the gardens start to produce, extra vegetables can be donated to the food bank to be shared.”
Food insecurity is a reality for many families we know and care about. It’s important to find ways to help, whether through volunteering, financial aid, or donating food items.
Friesens is thrilled to be part of the Spring Food Drive, hosted by Golden West Radio, as part of the Pembina Valley campaign to stock local food banks in Altona, Winkler, and Morden.
Let’s keep supporting our community together!
