The East Kootenay District Labour Council (EKDLC) is happy to share that they have successfully obtained and donated a bread slicer to the Cranbrook Food Bank.

This donation was made possible by a fundraising campaign called the Bread and Butter Project organized by the EKDLC, which aims to help fight food insecurity across the East Kootenay.

Recognizing the growing demand for food services and the increasing need for food security, the EKDLC launched a union-driven fundraising campaign to support the Cranbrook Food Bank.

Through the collective donations by CUPE Local 2090 City of Cranbrook Workers, the College of the Rockies Faculty Association (CORFA), the Cranbrook District Teachers Association Local 2, the Kimberley Teachers Association Local 3, CUPE Local 4165 Support Staff of School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay), and the EKDLC, the campaign raised the necessary funds to purchase an industrial bread slicer, a tool that will help the Food Bank efficiently prepare and distribute bread to those in need.

Additionally, the BCGEU also contributed a generous donation directly to the Cranbrook Food Bank to support their work.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the Cranbrook Food Bank with this donation,” said Krista Napl, second Vice-President of the East Kootenay District Labour Council. “After visiting the Food Bank and chatting with Julie, we wanted to know how the Labour Council could help raise money for something that would quickly benefit the hardworking volunteers. Right now, Cobs Bread in Cranbrook donates loaves of bread to the Food Bank, and getting this bread slicer will make it easier for the volunteers to do their jobs.

“Our Bread and Butter Project is just beginning because food insecurity affects workers. It’s not just a problem for individuals; it’s connected to the economic situations that workers face. By addressing issues like low pay, limited access to benefits, part-time hours and unstable job situations, we can start to solve food insecurity at its core.

“We aim to help Food Banks in the East Kootenays raise awareness about local needs, encourage support and donations from those who can help, and promote the importance of finding long-term solutions.”

The industrial bread slicer will be used to slice large quantities of donated bread, allowing the Cranbrook Food Bank to better serve its clients with fresh and evenly portioned bread. The increased efficiency will ultimately ensure that more families in need are able to access nutritious meals.

The efforts of the EKDLC highlight how powerful we can be when we join forces as a community to support one another. The successful launch of this campaign shows that local unions and organizations are dedicated to caring for their neighbors.

For more information about the East Kootenay District Labour Council and its efforts, please visit www.eastkootenaydistrictlabourcouncil.ca.

Photos submitted

East Kootenay District Labour Council

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