YMCA Caring Community Food Bank Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with $25,000 Grant from UPS

Moncton, February 04, 2010

Increased storage space addresses real need for unique YMCA service

The Caring Community Food Bank celebrates its second anniversary in Moncton with a crucial US$25,000 grant from UPS Canada.

Two years ago, The YMCA Caring Community Food Bank moved into the YMCA of Greater Moncton to help deliver food services to families in need. Due to a lack of storage, food was dropped off three times a week by the Food Depot Alimentaire. The lack of storage also hindered the YMCA's ability to accept food donations from local residents and businesses. The $25,000 grant from UPS Canada and The UPS Foundation has helped resolve these issues.

"Thanks to the generous contribution from UPS we have been able to purchase and install shelving for non-perishables and a walk-in freezer to store perishable food items for our clients," said Angelique Reddy, Manager of Community Development for YMCA of Greater Moncton.

The YMCA of Greater Moncton is the first YMCA in Canada to offer a food bank. The YMCA Caring Community Food Bank is open three days a week, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for individuals and families who live in the area. They are welcome to come in once a month and get enough food for 15 meals. Yet the YMCA is trying to offer more than simply access to food.

Thanks to the YMCA's various community partners, food bank recipients also are offered a garden plot in the 6,000 square-foot community garden. The garden is located just outside the YMCA's doors in the hopes to create a space for people in the surrounding area to gather and learn about where their food comes from, all while watching it grow and reaping the benefits of their labour. Individuals are offered opportunities to participate in budgeting classes and healthy cooking classes as well. These classes are offered through the Mapleton Teaching Kitchen.

"The Caring Community Food Bank's move to the YMCA was critical for it to continue meeting the needs of the community," explained David Dressler, director of Customer Service for UPS Canada. "The previous food bank for the area was mobile. Now there is a consistent time and location where food can be picked up, and families also have access to a shower and counselling from the YMCA's Re-Connect workers if they want it."

The new storage space allows staff and volunteers to access and control the food inventory more easily.

"At a quick glance we're able to see what we have and access it easily," said Reddy. "We won't be tripping over boxes anymore, and we now have counter space to fill grocery bags. Most importantly, the five-foot shelving will provide additional privacy for our clients."

UPSers have been involved with the YMCA since 2007.

"When you walk into the Y there is an overwhelming feeling of community. It's a warm, caring place where everyone is welcome," said Dressler. "UPSers are proud to contribute to that feeling of community, well-being and belonging."

UPS's grant program highlights the company's philosophy of striking a balance between financial contributions and hands-on volunteer hours. Organizations are nominated for grants by UPS employees. Each grant recipient must have benefited from 50 hands-on volunteer hours from UPS employees to qualify.

Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen. Whether through its involvement with United Way, The UPS Foundation or volunteerism, UPS provides assistance to programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs.