Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
June 02, 2022 - 10:48 AM
With the rising cost of fuel, food and rent, the Central Okanagan Food Bank has seen the highest demand in its history.
“It’s been really impacting our client base and in other areas, especially in the area of food costs,” said CEO Trevor Moss, with the food bank. “Our client usage has gone up at least by 25%.”
“It’s higher now than even it was during the pandemic,” he said.
Moss said the rising costs of rent, gas and food are driving more people to visit the food bank, as well as rising interest rates.
“It’s a perfect storm,” he said. “Food insecurity is rising because people do not have enough money to pay for those expenses.”
The food bank, which serves Kelowna and West Kelowna, provides food to roughly 2,500 households, or roughly 5,500 individuals monthly.
In May, Statistics Canada reported that its consumer price index for April rose 6.8% compared with a year ago, up from a gain of 6.7% for March. That's the highest since January 1991, when the annual rate was 6.9%.
READ MORE: Inflation sets fresh three-decade high at 6.8% in April with little sign of cooling
With the war in Ukraine, record gas prices are being reported throughout Canada. Today, June 2, in Kelowna, gas was reported at well over $2 per litre.
“In the last two to three months, we’ve seen a steady increase and that’s connected to world issues as well with recent events with the war in Ukraine because that is the bread basket of the world. Wheat costs have gone up,” Moss said. “It’s impacting the food chain as well.”
The rising costs impacts everyone, including the amount the community and businesses can donate, he said.
A recall on baby formula when a U.S. production facility closed meant the food bank was without its large supply this spring. A $3,000 donation from the Gary Bennett Family Fund is helping 40 families in need. The formula is part of the bank’s Tiny Bundles program, supporting pregnant women and families with babies up to one year old.
Central Okanagan Community Food Bank staff receive a $3,000 donation for baby formula from Gary Bennett.
Image Credit: Central Okanagan Community Food Bank
“The problem is you never know if (suppliers) have it or not… or you’re waiting long periods of time to receive it,” he said.
Though they’ve felt the crunch in the last six months with inflation, the record usage was reported last month and the food bank is preparing for the record usage to continue at least for the next six months.
“Inflation is going to be around for the next few months and we’re seeing people struggle and we’re hearing that from our clients… moms looking for formula, seniors on fixed incomes, people on disabilities,” Moss said. “We don’t see this going away anytime soon."
It’s also a time of year when donations usually decline, so Moss is encouraging people to donate money through the food bank’s website or to drop off food.
Staples and more expensive items like baby formula, diapers and cereal are in high demand as well as canned goods and dry goods.
To donate to the food bank, visit its website here.
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