Kaaceema, a foodbank located at Esowista for Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation members, began operations in April 2015.
Volunteers Marie Atleo and Deb David recognized the need to establish a food bank in the community, because members were having difficulty finding rides to the Ucluelet Food Bank.
The Ucluelet Food Bank is open every Tuesday. Eligibility requires clients to produce a piece of ID and a list of family members who live in their home. They can only access the food bank once a month unless an emergency arises.
Living in Tofino is very costly, and if members are on a fixed income, it is difficult to make ends meet. Food prices are triple on the West Coast, as compared to Port Alberni and Nanaimo. And many people do not have the means to travel out of town.
The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Social Development Program agreed to sponsor Kaaceema. The volunteers have developed policy and procedures to ensure accountability and access. Kaaceema is open on the 15th of every month and is available to members living in Opitsaht, Esowista and Ty Histanis and who are on social assistance or employment insurance.
Christmas is always a struggle for many, as members are living on a fixed income and usually do not have enough food to last for the month. At Christmas, the volunteers at Kaaceema put together gifts for those who were accessing Kaaceema. Elder Rita Curley received food from Kaaceema, and said she was very grateful for the gift.
Marie Atleo and Deb David work hard to ensure the members are taken care of by delivering the food right to their door and arrange rides to Opitsaht.
Kaaceema provides nutritious food, including meat, potatoes, rice, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables and juice, and they also include laundry soap, tissue, shampoo, pampers, tooth paste and pet food.
To access Kaaceema services, please call Marie Atleo at 250-725-3335.
