Glendon Ag Society teaming up with community partners to hand out food hampers

Image credit: Glendon Ag Society. 

Like many volunteer community groups at the moment, the Glendon Ag Society has shifted their summertime focus on preparing for upcoming events to helping out the community during these trying times.

They’ve stepped up and partnered with the Village of Glendon and the Bonnyville and District FCSS to provide food hampers for those struggling to put meals on the table during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Glendon Ag Society president Stacey Sandmeyer said it goes along the lines of the food hamper program done by Northern Lights Public Schools.

“Northern Lights is doing the one through the schools. But they, of course, are ending it in June. We’re starting it now and then hitting the people that may not have a connection with the school, so seniors, single individuals, older families, people that don’t go to school or even our area,” said Sandmeyer.

The food hampers will be available for pickup every second Thursday, beginning this week at the RCMP Century Hall in Glendon from noon until 3:00pm.

“We have never done a program like this before. Our building, of course, has many events and our kitchen is always busy through the catering club, so we have the licensing and everything in place. So this was a natural fit for us,” she said.

“We always have been a place where our community comes together at our events, so this was just a different avenue of still doing something in our community.”

They’ve invited Therrien residents to join the program if they need help.

Sandmeyer anticipates a similar response to the NLPS program, which sees 10-15 food hampers given out a week, she said.

“We don’t want to stay limited just to our village boundaries. Anybody in the rural community that also is in need, definitely, to reach out to us.”

Those in need of a food hamper can private message the Glendon Ag Society’s Facebook page, or call their number at 780-635-3074 or text Sandmeyer at 780-826-9583.

“I would just definitely say don’t be shy. We know that families are facing a lot of stresses right now. And if we can just relieve a little bit of that stress, please, please take advantage of this program we want to help,” said Sandmeyer.

“Privacy is one of our utmost concerns and we will respect that.”

The Glendon Ag Society has a board of 12 directors.

On Friday, they are handing out free freezies for kids from 2:00-3:00pm, and on Saturday their Farmers Market is running from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Also happening Saturday is their Plant a Tree initiative where you can pick up a free white spruce tree at 11:00am.

The Glendon Derby this summer has been cancelled.