Sara’s Pantry Receives Funding From Westoba

Westoba Credit Union (Westoba) is excited to announce $5,000.00 in funding from the Westoba Inspire program to stock the shelves at Sara’s Pantry in Glenboro.

Sara’s Pantry is a food security program serving Glenboro and area. Volunteer Operations Manager for Sara’s Pantry, Charlene Claeys-Godard says the funding will be used to purchase staple food items from local businesses. “All the non-perishable and perishable food items we purchase are from local businesses within the community and area,” said Claeys-Goddard.

Westoba has a history of supporting Sara’s Pantry since it was established in 2020. Released 10.07.20-Glenboro-Community-Aims-to-Establish-a-Food-Security-Program.pdf (westoba.com)

Claeys-Godard says the need for food security continues to grow and that Sara’s Pantry serves 10- 12 families every month. “We have seen an increase in the senior population needing our support,” said Claeys-Godard. “The cost of everything is going up but for seniors, their income is not increasing.”

Sara’s Pantry provides bi-monthly food hampers specific to family size and dietary needs. “Families with young children have different needs than a single person or someone with a health condition that requires a specific diet, so we make sure we understand the needs of the request and offer options. Funding from Westoba will help us to ensure we can meet those needs,” said Claeys-Godard.

Carberry & Ninette Branch Manager, Marie Bodnarchuk is currently transitioning out of her volunteer role at Sara’s Pantry that she has held since 2019 but remains committed to the cause. “Giving time to a project as important as Sara’s Pantry is a very fulfilling opportunity,” said Bodnarchuk. “There are people relying on this service for nutritious food on their table. It is only possible because of our volunteers and donations like this one from Westoba.”

Charlene Claeys -Godard encourages community members interested in getting involved with Sara’s Pantry to contact Sara’s Pantry on Facebook @saraspantryglenboro; Instagram @saras.pantry or email saraspantry2020@gmail.com.