‘We never turn anybody away’: Rural N.B. food bank robbed

A volunteer-run food bank in Port Elgin, N.B., was robbed last week.

It’s been a little over a week since the food bank at the Port Elgin, N.B., and District Volunteer Action Committee (PEDVAC) was robbed, but people in the rural community are still very upset.

PEDVAC executive director Erin Ward said someone broke into the food bank on Friday, July 3, and the massive theft was discovered the following morning.

Ward said meat, fresh produce, snacks, drinks, deodorant, soap, shampoo, toilet paper and even dog food were stolen in large quantities.

She believes whoever robbed the community food bank probably did it because they are in need.

“I think they are at their wits end with maybe their lifestyle, maybe their jobs, maybe a hundred reasons I don’t know. But I believe they need the items very badly,” said Ward.

It’s rare if the food bank doesn’t have something people need, so Ward was both frustrated and surprised when the robbery happened.

“We never turn anybody away. When we’re asked, ‘Do you have deodorant, do you have shampoo for my baby, do you have any items?’ we go look. And if we have it, we give it,” said Ward. “We would much rather people ask us than take.”

In a statement to CTV News, Strait Shores Mayor Annamarie Boyd said the break-in is deeply disappointing and upsetting.

“It is difficult to understand why anyone would target an organization whose sole purpose is to support individuals and families in need,” said Ward. “We hope those responsible are identified and held accountable for their actions through the appropriate legal process.”

The RCMP Sackville detachment is investigating the break-in, but there haven’t been any arrests yet.

Ward said the municipality will be reaching out to the RCMP to re-establish regular discussions on public safety and police presence.

“Our residents deserve to feel safe, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with our policing partners to strengthen community safety,” said Boyd.

Nancy Oulton has lived in nearby Baie Verte, N.B., for 40 years and was very surprised to hear of the break-in.

She said Ward would do anything to help.

“If somebody called her at 11 p.m., she would be there to offer the assistance that was required,” said Oulton. “They keep everything confidential. Everyone can use it, no questions asked. But to break in and do a little bit of damage to the locks and take what you need wasn’t required. But it’s a sad state that that’s the world we’re living in right now.”

Ward said there’s around 1,900 people in the region and the food bank serves 130 homes on a regular basis, roughly a quarter of the population.

“That’s fairly high. But we are a very rural community. We do not have a grocery store. We do not have public transportation,” said Ward.

Support from other food banks and residents in the area has helped re-stock the shelves as well as continuing support from Feed NB.

Boyd said the response from the community has been very encouraging.

“Almost immediately, residents, businesses, and organizations began rallying around PEDVAC, offering donations and support to help replace what was lost. That generosity speaks to the character of our community,” said Boyd.

After posting a message on social media about the break-in, Ward said she received numerous messages, calls, emails and texts with people asking how they can help.

“It was just overwhelming,” said Ward.

Police are asking anyone with information about what happened to contact the RCMP Sackville detachment at 506-364-5023 or Crime Stoppers.

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