Natalia Soteroff stands ready to welcome the Food Bank's clients
The Smiths Falls Community Food Bank is powered by a community that continues to step forward whenever help is needed.
Executive Director Natalia Soteroff says the organization’s work would not be possible without local donors, businesses, volunteers and residents who believe in its mission.
That support comes in many forms. Residents donate food and money, grocery stores provide items throughout the year and local farms help fill shelves with non perishable food and fresh produce during the summer months.
Community gardens and individual growers also set aside vegetables for the food bank, giving clients more variety and access to locally grown food.
Soteroff says the willingness to help is so strong that the food bank sometimes has more potential volunteers than available space or tasks.
Students regularly contact the organization looking to complete their high school community service hours. Soteroff keeps a list of people who can be contacted when new opportunities become available.
Those already working at the food bank stay busy preparing hampers, helping clients, sorting donations and unloading orders. Without a loading dock, supplies must be carried inside by hand.
The community is also finding creative ways to give. Some children and adults are asking friends and family to donate to the food bank instead of bringing birthday presents.
One mother and daughter collect money on their birthdays and use it to create special birthday bags that can be handed out to food bank clients.
Fresh produce remains another example of neighbours helping neighbours.
Soteroff says every donation, volunteer shift and community fundraiser helps the food bank continue serving Smiths Falls residents.
She also thanked local media and community partners for keeping people informed about the need.
The organization remains grateful for a community that continues to show compassion, creativity and a strong willingness to help.
Learn more here.
