P.E.I.’s monks want to help alleviate hunger across the province, which is why they started the End Hunger in P.E.I. food box initiative.
In a message to The Guardian, a spokesperson for the monks said that one in six people in P.E.I. live on lower-than-average income, and that those at a higher risk of living in poverty include women, youth, single-parent families, seniors and people with disabilities.
For years, the monks have been baking bread rolls and growing vegetables to help people struggling to feed themselves and their families, and they said it seems the situation is getting worse.
The monks realize that sometimes families are not able to get help from local food banks or other services when they don't have a car or money for gas.
“So, we decided to deliver some food to help them get through this difficult time of the year,” said the spokesperson. “We deliver the food box right to applicants' doorstep.”
Food boxes were also created at Thanksgiving where they dropped off boxes to 137 families, and at Christmastime where they dropped off boxes to 242 families.
“It has always been our belief that we should help one another,” said the spokesperson. “Monks alone are not able to help all Island families in need, but we believe that together we can end hunger in P.E.I.”
The food boxes will be delivered between Feb. 16-20. Those in need of food are asked to sign up for a food box before 9 a.m. Feb. 12.
The form can be found by clicking here.
More information can be found on the About Monks Facebook page.
