Philosophy of Ministry for Osoyoos Food Bank God wants us to care for those in need, and to help people to live to their potential. While the Bible teaches us that we are to support those who need help, we are not responsible to help those who should be looking after themselves and contributing to those who genuinely need help. Therefore, to that end, we have adopted the following philosophy as gu
idelines for our Food Bank. Our Responsibilities:
• The Osoyoos Food Bank is for the residents of Osoyoos and surrounding area. Our area will be from Road 18 in the north, to the Border in the south. From Bridesville in the East to the road to Nighthawk in the West.
• Money and food donated to the Osoyoos Food Bank will only be used for the work of the Osoyoos Food Bank.
• We will consider ourselves “stewards” of the food and money the people of Osoyoos graciously donate and seek to be wise and prudent in how it is dispensed.
• We will seek to provide a 3-4 day supply of nutritious, healthy food per household.
• We are not a “life-style”, but a short bridge to help from the end of the money just before the Government cheques come in. Therefore, we will only open 1 day per month.
• We will require an annual registration with proof of residency and dependant children.
• We will only give one hamper per home. Multiple adults in the same home will be counted in the same hamper.
• We will joyfully serve the working poor and those in need because of age or mental or physical disabilities. Some will always need help and we joyfully look forward to serving them.
• We will communicate with other Food Banks to discourage “double dipping”
Expectations Of Our Clients:
• Use of our Food Bank is not a “Right” it is a “Privilege”.
• We expect our clients to have exhausted all other means of support, including work, Family and Human Resources before coming to our Food Bank.
• Clients will be expected to provide proof of residency and identification for each member of their household.
• For most, our Food Bank is not intended to be “for Life.” If their circumstances improve, we expect our clients to stop using our service and leave our limited resources for others with greater need.
• We expect our clients come to us because of a genuine need. People who come simply for “free food” but really could look after themselves are considered stealing from the poor and will be discouraged.
