Image Credit: The Mustard Seed
September 06, 2022 - 11:30 AM
A charity with a location in Kamloops is struggling financially and needs help.
The Mustard Seed is feeling the impact of inflation and rising costs across its locations in B.C. and Alberta, according to a media release issued today, Sept. 6.
“We are witnessing a record number of people needing our services,” the media release reads. “Our meal programs are constantly being adjusted to meet the growing demand.”
The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring for men, women, and children experiencing poverty and homelessness since 1984. Last year, the organization served over 700,000 meals across their locations, and the need is growing.
The organization relies on food donations to offset costs but there is a steady decline in donations, while at the same time suppliers across the two provinces are increasing their prices.
“We have updated our cost per meal from $3.51 to reflect our actual current average cost of $5.38,” they said. “This year we budgeted $1,873,441 for meals, and during the four months ended July 31 we surpassed the year-to-date food expense budget by $241,815.”
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The Mustard Seed serves balanced nutritious meals to vulnerable clients and they will not compromise that standard, but they need help to continue providing the vital services.
With food storage being a challenge, people are asked to consider donating gift cards to grocery stores like Superstore and Costco.
Group meal sponsorships are welcomed and interested groups are asked to call the charity at 1-833-GIV-HOPE.
You can make a donation or learn more about the charity here.
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