The Trinity Food Pantry (TFP) continues to operate out of Saint Katerie Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Church. It is still known as Trinity Place to remember the history of Trinity Lutheran Church at Flora and King. Katerie was a Mohawk woman who survived a small pox epidemic. She is the first indigenous saint in North America.
During COVID Harvest Manitoba experienced a great increase in demand for food. Hamper distribution was reduced from every two weeks to every four weeks. However, the hampers did not double in size. So families have to make do with less food even as prices have risen. There was also a decline of in-kind donations because congregations did not gather for worship. TFP continues to supplement the hampers with fresh produce and high protein foods purchased with donations from congregations and individuals. Congregations are challenged to include a monthly contribution in their annual budget.
For the December hamper distribution Christmas presents will be given to all the children. TFP would appreciate receiving donations to help cover the cost of these Christmas gifts and the cost of additional high protein foods, such as canned meats and fish, vegetables, soups and peanut butter. Women’s sanitary products are always in short supply.
TFP normally provides hampers to about 26 households that include 60 adults and 30-35 children. Coffee and treats are served on hamper day in a Coffee Corner. TFP volunteers and staff from Saint Katerie interact with hamper recipients. It is a time to just sit and listen to their stories. These stories are often about illegal evictions, betrayal and missing persons.
As Christmas approaches donations will help bring cheer to many households living in poverty. Checks marked Trinity Food Pantry made out to Grace Lutheran Church are greatly appreciated.
For more information contact Don Engel.
204-663-5932 or pastordonengel@gmail.com
