On Thursday, February 12, the Vankleek Hill Food Bank hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which members selected a new Board of Directors. Members were also presented with a brief review of projects completed over the past year, as well as the current financial situation.
The outgoing Board voted to enlist the following members for the 2026 term: Jennifer Beauchesne, Pierre Beausejour, Carol Gann, Eleanor Gardner, Tara Kirkpatrick, Lesley Laxton, Genevieve Paquette, Stephanie Pete, and Pina Velocci.
Beauchesne said that the food bank had witnessed an increase in individual clients per month, with approximately 100 individuals, up 17 per cent since January 2025, and approximately 50 households, representing a 21 per cent increase over the same period.
“We are 100 per cent volunteer-run, and everyone who works at the food bank does so out of their love for helping their community,” Beauchesne said.
Beauchesne highlighted that rising food costs, combined with increased demand for services, have placed added financial pressure on the food bank.
She added that a lack of storage space for donated items has forced the food bank to seek a potential new location to better accommodate growing demand. At this time, no update is available regarding a potential new location.
Beauchesne also outlined partnerships with local grocery stores, Second Harvest Canada, and other community organizations that help compile the monthly food baskets distributed to clients. She added that every school in the district was also given $1,000 at the beginning of the school year to help ensure food is available for students requiring additional nutrition.
The food bank’s former Treasurer, Gardner, noted that the organization is completely community-funded and generated $321,409.83 in income for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, with its primary revenue coming from food bank donations totalling $176,166.74.
Gardner reported that the food bank spent $57,177 for food, followed by rent costs totalling $14,887.95. After all expenses were accounted for, the food bank reported a remaining balance of $213,195.
