We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Joy Haxton of the Lake Country Food Bank in Lake Country, BC.
What is your role in food banking?
I am a volunteer for the Lake Country Food Assistance Society and current president. I am also the Food Bank Office Manager and responsible for overseeing the operation of the Lake Country Food Bank. I interface with the community to develop relationships and community programs dealing with the Lake Country Food Bank and initiate and implement our programs and initiatives for the Lake Country Food Bank and the food recovery hub.
Describe a typical day in one word.
Rewarding – Every day brings a miracle and many, many challenges. It is an ever changing environment.
What was your inspiration to get involved in food banking?
My brother-in-law received much needed help in London and I wanted to give back.
What is your greatest achievement in your current role?
I feel my greatest achievement has been to facilitate the creation of a food recovery hub and distribution network for the rural food banks in the BC interior. To accommodate warehousing, refrigeration and recovery stations we developed the lower level of our food bank for a distribution sub hub for the Helping Through Sharing network. Our new network consists of multiple rural food banks and organizations providing food for those dealing with food insecurity.
What is your greatest challenge in your current role?
Grants and report writing while juggling the operation of the food bank and construction of the food recovery centre.
If you could have one wish granted that would address hunger in Canada what would it be?
That no one in Canada ever suffer from food insecurity. That everyone has access to healthy nutritional food.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would like to be able to sing, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.
If you could tell your younger self advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of change, embrace making things different.
Who are your heroes? Fictional or real life
I have every day heroes – people that take on challenges like our 100+ volunteers that are part of our society and allow us to operate our Food Bank and our Thrift Store.
What is your idea of happiness?
Inner peace.
What is your motto?
I always say yes to food, we will figure out the distribution later.
Something quirky about you that others may not expect or know?
I am very dyslexic, I can get lost in my kitchen.
Your theme song?
Shine by Washboard Union
Do you know a food bank or food banker that could be featured on our next Spotlight? Contact us at communications@foodbankscanada.ca.