The Winkler and District Food Cupboard is calling for more volunteers as the organization faces a rising need for food support in the community. Operating out of the Central Station Community Centre at 555 Main Street, the organization helps local families by providing grocery hampers and supplemental food items.
This increased need in Winkler mirrors a broader trend across the province. According to data from Harvest Manitoba, food banks across the province are seeing record demand, with visit numbers doubling since 2021 as the cost of living continues to rise. Approximately 60,000 Manitobans now rely on food banks for assistance.
The food cupboard offers support to residents within the Garden Valley School Division catchment area. There is no income requirement to qualify for a hamper; the only criterion is genuine need, where a person or family would not otherwise be able to afford enough food. Additionally, the centre operates a program called The Pantry, which allows people to pick up rescued food on a no-questions-asked basis. This program currently serves between 85 and 110 households every week.
While the centre already benefits from the support of 115 individual volunteers and five additional volunteer groups, more help is required to keep food programs running smoothly. As a fully volunteer-run organization, every dollar donated to the cupboard goes directly toward purchasing staple goods like milk, eggs, flour, sugar, pasta, and rice. Those interested in assisting with sorting donations, packing boxes, or helping families select food items can contact the centre, which is open Monday through Thursday.
More information about the services offered and how to get involved can be found through community resources detailing the current volunteer needs.
