Selkirk Food Bank - Selkirk, Manitoba

Amber S.

I feel like one star would be too rude, because it's such a much needed resource. But oh my god it's awful and I only recommend it as a last resort, when they are available and open.
Here are my issues
1. Only open for a few hours every other Tuesday (at the moment I think) which isn't good for the families that need help. I understand why, low funding and available foods, but Selkirk should do better for their seniors and families.
2. Set up/operation - awful process to go through. Especially with our Manitoba weather. You have to wait in line outdoors until they open at 10, line usually starts up around 8am when weather is good, 9am for sure start lining up. This isnt sustainable! There are SO many seniors who just physically can't wait outside in the line during our cold months, but there isn't any other option with how small the building is for the 100s that show up. It's first come first served so you want to get near the front of the line...
3. Which leads to the issue of the way it's set up inside. Everything is laid out between the two rooms (clothing, produce, bread items, premade foods, etc) with frozen stuff being last and boxed per family/individual. Even tho we wait in line, once inside everyone just goes nuts and grabs everything they can. It's disappointing to see others in need being so greedy to take as much as possible, but there's no one overseeing and controlling it. Having to dig through produce and items to find things that you can use is a bit demoralizing, especially when you're digging through literal trash cans of pastry containers.
3. Quality of the food offered - disappointing. The frozen boxes are always good, but there could be better oversight on the quality of produce. Often having to dig through boxes of fruit to find ones that aren't covered in mold, as they just leave the moldy fruit/veggies in with everything else. This is especially bad in the summer. A few times I had to go, there was so little that was actually edible in the fruits/veggies that by the time 1/3 of the line of people went through there was absolutely nothing left. I've seen seniors take moldy oranges home because it's better than nothing. Putting their health at risk for some fruit.

The city of Selkirk needs to fund this program and actually provide the service needed by this city, and do it well. There are 100s of people who use this every chance possible, we need to do better for our community.

Trudy B.

Very welcoming and understanding staff.
Thanks guys for all your help

Diane H.

Nice to see on produce day all the businesses donating produce and such. Big shout out to all the volunteers and workers.

Donna T.

Great food items. Needs to be more organized, single file structure by number.

Shirley F.

Very nice and clean. Nice people work there.

Brandi M.

Very rude people. I call to see if they are open and the lady says "why wouldn't we be?"

Hanna F.

Very friendly. Free food when you need help getting by.

Mark N.

I don't go there