MacGregor food vault sees need double, hosts carol festival fundraiser
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The Food Vault, a local organization that addresses food insecurity in the MacGregor area, is hosting its annual Carol Festival on December 7 to raise funds for its Christmas Cheer program, a critical service facing sharply increasing community need.
Luke Neufeld, a board member of The Food Vault, noted that the organization has witnessed a dramatic rise in demand over the past decade.
“When Director Julie Friesen started, I think she’s probably been doing this for close to 10 years, one in eight families was in this food insecurity range,” Neufeld said. “She told us [recently] now it’s one in four.”
Shelves holding donated items at the Food Vault in MacGregor, Manitoba. (Photo supplied/Food Vault Inc. Facebook)
Neufeld attributed the growing need to the rising cost of food. Over the past few years, basic groceries like bread, eggs, milk, cheese and meat, among other items have increased in price, making access to food even more difficult for those who are struggling.
The Carol Festival, held at the MacGregor Collegiate Institute, is the organization’s biggest single fundraiser. Proceeds from the collection will go specifically toward the Christmas Cheer board, which provides ingredients for a full Christmas meal and gifts for children under the age of 14 in recipient families.
“We’re going to fundraise so that we can put a great Christmas meal on everybody’s table this Christmas,” Neufeld said.
Year-Round Service
The Food Vault operates year-round, serving as a dedicated food bank for the community. It is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located next to the local post office at 24 Hampton St East.
Director Julie Friesen manages donations and ensures the shelves are stocked with needed items, communicating specific needs through the organization’s social media channels. The facility is accessible to those in need on its operating days, allowing them to access food items.
Neufeld stresses the importance of the organization and hopes those who need assistance will reach out.
“The people who need it, or at least I hope the ones who need it, are aware of us,” he said.
While the Carol Festival focuses on Christmas hampers, The Food Vault conducts other regular fundraisers throughout the year for its general operating budget, including a successful bi-annual “Donut Day” held in both Austin and MacGregor.
To find out more about The Food Vault, check out their Facebook page or call 204-685-2977. You can also email communityrc@hotmail.com.
Folks can now apply for the Christmas Cheer Board hamper applications by December 12.
» Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic.