As inflation continues to climb and food prices continue to increase, the Community Harvest Food Bank in Castlegar is feeling the pinch.
Food bank president Deb McIntosh says they have been seeing an increase in clients in recent months.
“It used to be primarily people on assistance and disability, but we are seeing more working people and seniors that are just not making ends meet,” said McIntosh.
The increase in clients and prices means the food bank could use more donations.
McIntosh says that during the COVID pandemic, donations were great and especially corporate donations.
“But they do dry up when the crisis is over,” she said.
McIntosh says casual individual donations have also dropped off.
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Soaring grocery prices are also affecting the food bank directly — in the last eight weeks they have spent $12,000 purchasing food for clients.
Another issue facing the food bank is how to better serve the growing homeless population in Castlegar.
“There are lots of people sleeping in their cars, it’s great to give them Kraft Dinner, but where are they going to cook it?” says McIntosh.
To help solve the problem, the food bank is looking for food items that would better suit someone without a home and trying to purchase portable cooking tools.
“Every person comes with their own set of needs,” says McIntosh.
The food bank is also seeing more requests for foods that suit client’s special dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan and non-processed foods.
One bright spot on the food supply side is that the Castlegar Community Garden is now purposely growing food for the food bank and other low-income people.
“Things change and we have to adapt to it,” says McIntosh. “We are going to see more and more people sleeping outside with our limited support system here. But I really do think if we all just work together and discuss things and mitigate the bigger problems we will be fine.”
If you would like to support the food bank, McIntosh says cash or gift card donations are best so they can purchase exactly what is needed at any given time. Alternately, donors can call and ask what is needed and then buy specific items that are missing from the food bank shelves.
If you would like to purchase items, McIntosh says to focus on proteins. Things liked canned tuna, salmon and other canned meats are always needed as well as meals-in-a-can such as stews or chili. Other helpful items include toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, non-dairy milk products, legumes, soup ingredients and gluten-free staples.
For more information, email castlegarfoodbank@gmail.com
RELATED: Food banks stretched thin as food prices rise, increasing hunger and food insecurity
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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