Muffins donated to the Lunenburg Interchurch Food Bank who recently began accepting baked goods. Photo: We Feed Lunenburg.

The Lunenburg Interchurch Foodbank (LIF) has recently begun accepting baked goods on a more regular basis and those utilizing their services seem to appreciate the new policy.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s bread, or cookies or muffins usually when we get home baked goods now they are the first thing to go,” said John Smith who helps operate the food bank.

Smith says they previously accepted baked goods on a limited basis, typically accepting donations from bakeries or charitable organizations but after some of their donors indicated they would like to donate their own baked goods the food bank decided to allow it.

Typically food banks shy away from food prepared at home due to a lack of certainty over food safety, however, Smith explained why it works in Lunenburg, “I like to think we know most of our donors, and certainly there is a degree of trust to what we are doing but it’s no different than a school bake sale or something similar,”.

Smith also believes what they are doing can be a lesson to other communities about building a self-sufficient community by making connections with people who are interested in food security for all.

LIF also recently began accepting donations of simple household goods like toilet paper, toothpaste, and other toiletries which have also been met with positive feedback according to Smith.

The food bank maintains the right to refuse any baked goods they have safety concerns over.

The LIF isn’t alone in its efforts to improve food security in its local community and one of its partners We Feed Lunenburg who are one of their main donors of baked goods are also helping by growing produce and donating it to the food bank.

We Share Lunenburg is another group dedicated to sharing items and services within the local community.

The LIF is open every second Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.