Canadians, a charity that helps the poor, "store" bread in the food bank.

Canada's banking system has not been fatally impacted by the global financial turmoil, but there is a special "bank" that has repeatedly been in a hurry, and that is the "food bank". "Food Bank" is not a financial institution that invests in food, but a welfare institution all over Canada. They collect food from various channels, store it in the "grain bank warehouse" and then provide it to those in need free of charge.

There is a corner of the food bank in the supermarket.

When you walk into a supermarket in Canada, people will see trolleys full of food at the entrance. The food on it has a low price tag. You must not think that this is a discounted product. This is a "savings product" provided by the supermarket. Citizens can subscribe according to the price tag, and then the "purchased" food will be sent to the "food bank supermarket". The difference between the price tag and the market price is the donation of the supermarket. Some supermarkets have a "food bank corner" where citizens can buy food and send it directly.

The "food bank" first appeared in some big cities in Canada in the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as Toronto and Vancouver. It is said that it was originally established spontaneously under the influence of American charities. Before Easter, Christmas and other major festivals, the staff of "food bank" will hold large-scale activities in front of community centers, churches, libraries, fire stations and apartment buildings to "absorb reserves"; In addition, volunteers of "Food Bank" will collect the leftover food sold that day before the bakeries and grocery stores close every night. Donations from food factories and other enterprises are also an important source of food banks, and volunteers will use these donations to buy food.

I often see the "food bank map".

Recipients who need food bank help need to register in the bank, fill in personal and home addresses, income status, expenditure status and other materials, establish an account, and then receive the "quota". After the account is established, you only need to show your personal identification to withdraw money again, but every six months or one year, the "bank" will ask for re-registration in detail.

In addition to receiving food, the food bank also provides catering services. Some food banks stipulate Wednesday as the food distribution day, on which hot food will be provided in churches, welfare institutions and other suitable places, and special holiday meals will be provided on major festivals such as Thanksgiving Day.

According to the data of Greater Vancouver area, among the recipients of food banks, 1/3 are teenagers below 18, and 40% are low-income families or vulnerable groups. According to the data of Toronto Food Bank, 53% of the recipients are locals and 47% are immigrants. However, immigrants from China and other Asian countries seldom "patronize". They think it is shameful to receive free relief food like beggars. Canadians don't think so. They believe that receiving social assistance in difficult times can ensure the most basic life for themselves and their families. You can also donate it to the society to help others in the future.

Some people may ask how to find these "banks" in many places in Canada, such as churches, community centers, welfare institutions and even libraries. You can see the "food bank map", which shows the addresses, contact information and opening hours of each distribution point in detail.

White-collar workers also come to the food bank for relief.

Canada's "food bank" has strict management and rich food sources, and its influence exceeds that of its birthplace, the United States. It is said that the "food banks" in Europe and Japan 13 countries are all modeled after Canada. Then, why is such an institution "anxious"?

It turned out that the financial crisis caused a lot of unemployment. There are many unemployed white-collar workers in the food bank to receive relief. At the same time, the prices of staple food and non-staple food in supermarkets have increased obviously recently, which has also become the reason why food banks are in an emergency. Fortunately, Canada's charity tradition is deeply rooted in people's hearts. Every appeal will set off a warm "rescue" upsurge. Many people also take their own whole pot of dishes to the hot rice supply point of the "bank" to "add vegetables", and many citizens who are hard up take the initiative to help the kitchen and contribute to the "food bank".