Oct 01, 2008 - 03:56 PM

UXBRIDGE -- Uxbridge's food bank is in need of supplies and individuals to pack and distribute them.

According to the food bank's coordinator, summer was busier than usual at the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, based in St. Andrews-Chalmers Presbyterian Church at 40B Toronto St. S. "There were more clients this summer by far, it's usually a quieter time," said Victoria Walker, noting there was no single contributing factor to the increased demand. "Gas prices could have something to do with it," she said. She added "new clients with families" have enlisted the help of the facility.

She said the shelves at the food bank are currently "half-empty" and would normally be that way well into fall.

To assist in gathering food, Loaves and Fishes is kicking off a fall food drive and is in particular need of pasta, pasta sauce, hamburger or tuna helper, canned meats, stews, dry cereal, juice, macaroni and cheese, instant coffee, hot chocolate, canned fruit and vegetables, shampoo and toiletries. Food can be dropped off at Zehrs on Toronto Street South or at the food bank directly. Donations of cash are also accepted and receipts provided.

"This autumn drive will keep us going through spring," said Ms. Walker. Christmas presents the biggest demand for food and Loaves and Fishes is relying on a successful fall campaign to last through the holiday season, she noted.

Uxbridge's Brandon Ford dealership is helping out with a Thanksgiving food drive by parking an orange Ford Ranger outside Zehrs on Oct. 4, 5, 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. "We are encouraging shoppers to help fill the truck with non-perishable food items, in order that the Uxbridge and the Brock township food banks can distribute them to local residents who find themselves in need at this time of the year," reads a release from Brandon Ford.

Meanwhile, Ms. Walker's position has been split into two duties, a business and volunteer coordinator, the latter job needing to be filled. Ms. Walker is in her third year as coordinator and said her own work commitments are forcing her to step down.

The chosen coordinator would meet with new volunteers, organize special days and keep volunteers up to date on food bank news. The individual can expect to commit four to five hours per month fulfilling their duties, noted Ms. Walker, who added she will stay on with the food bank in some capacity after she fills the role.

She said although the facility is not in "desperate" need for volunteers, some are required to assist with setting up and interviewing clients on Wednesdays. Setting up requires the ability to lift and carry grocery bags up and down stairs. Set-up is between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, packing bags and interviewing is between 1 and 4 p.m. The volunteers can come in weekly or every other week.

Food bank officials remind those donating food to check expiry dates. The organization can be reached at 905-852-6262 or uxbridgeloavesandfishes@hotmail.com.