A Cambridge Journal - Stories from the Food Bank is a personal observation by the author, Lea L. Porter describing the day to day occurrences at the food bank and the many people she met.as she filled the role of Public Relations for The Cambridge (Ontario) Self-Help Food Bank from May 1999 to December 2000. The stories of some of the participants are told in their own voices and bring to life the tremendous struggle ordinary people who have been caught in the cycle of poverty experience in their quest for independence and self-reliance. IThe book has been described as a "haunting" work. The Food Bank itself, at the heart of the Community of Cambridge, is but a helping hand to assist these people. Also identified are the reasons this particular food bank is having such an impact on poverty in the community. Unlike most food banks, The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank operates as a member cooperative. Members volunteer their service, access the many programs available from employment counselling, personal & family couselling, community kitchen and garden, and self-esteem building programs to restore confidence in their ability to achieve success. A Cambridge Journal - Stories from the Food Bank ($16.95) is available through The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, 56 Dickson St., Cambridge, Ontario N1R 1T8 Tel: (519) 622-6550 or Fax: (519)622-9076. Also available at The Book Express in The Cambridge Centre, Hespeler Road, Cambridge, NaDean's Arts Cafe, 5 Water St. N., Galt-Cambridge and The Little White Dove, King St. E., Preston-Cambridge.
