Starting in March, the food bank at the Osoyoos Baptist Church will open on Thursday evenings, as well as Friday mornings. Pastor Phil Johnson, pictured, said the change will help reach those working full-time but having a hard time making ends meet. (File photo)

By Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

The Osoyoos Food Bank already serves about 45 families every month, but with an added day of service they’re hoping to reach another demographic: those working but having a hard time making ends meet.

Currently, the food bank at the Osoyoos Baptist Church is open for two hours one Friday morning each month.

However, pastor Phil Johnson said that makes it hard for those who are working during the day, but still need the food bank’s assistance, to attend.

Starting in March, the food bank will also open the Thursday evening before, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

“We just became aware of the problem with the working people being able to get in and access the food bank when we always have it in the evening,” Johnson said.

The way the food bank operates has changed as well. Previously, visitors were given a hamper with a variety of items in it.

However, Johnson said not every customer needs every item included.

“We had one lady bring back a case of cream of mushroom soup because she’s lactose intolerant,” he said.

Another patron brought back two apple boxes filled with cans she hadn’t used, but by the time they returned to the food bank they had expired and couldn’t be redistributed.

• Read more: Osoyoos Elks collect many more apples this year for northern B.C. food banks

Now, visiting the food bank is more of a “shopping” experience. Volunteers tell patrons how many items they can take, but they’re given options.

“Everything is their choice,” Johnson said. “Even the kind of macaroni they get.”

When the added service on Thursday evenings starts in March, Johnson hopes to see the food bank’s visitor numbers grow by 10 to 15 per cent.

“It’s a need,” he said. “Rent in our town is atrocious … and everybody that is working in the hospitality industry, most aren’t making more than $12 to $15 an hour. How do you survive?”

It’s those that are working but still can’t make ends meet that Johnson hopes the new hours of business will help.

“It’s our delight to help the working poor; we see them as trying to do the best they can.”

Johnson noted that expanding the food bank’s hours and adding more customers wouldn’t be possible without the community’s donations.

“Our town is generous,” he said. “We’re so thankful of the generosity of the community that allows us to have the best food hampers in the valley.”

The food bank at the Osoyoos Baptist Church will open next on Thursday, March 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and March 15 from 9 to 11 a.m.