Prince Albert Food Bank in 2020. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Needing Support

Food Banks confident they can keep with demand, community support still much-needed

Jan 12, 2023 | 4:56 PM

Last year may have been the toughest year ever for Food Banks, but 2023 could be even worse.

According to Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization, the demand for food services is expected to increase by around 60 per cent.

In Prince Albert, the food bank is handing out around 1,100 hampers a month. Around five years ago, it was between 700 and 750 hampers.

Executive director Kim Scruby said they’ve never turned someone away, but they did have to shrink their hampers last year to keep up with demand.

“Instead of a three-day supply of food, in the summertime, it got down to a two and a half (day supply).”

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He noted several food programs have also been started since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes Moose Lodge, run by the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), which provides food and warm space for those living on the streets.

Overall, if the community continues its support, Scruby believes they’ll be able to keep up with demand.

The same can be said for the Shellbrook and area Food Bank. 2022 was a record-setting year, but they were able to help everyone who needed it thanks to several donations.

Linda Lundy, the Food Bank’s coordinator, explained one family ended up raising quite a bit of money for them in honour of one of their loved ones who had passed away.

“That made it possible to get through the year in good shape,” she said.

Roughly two weeks into 2023 and the Food Bank remains in a comfortable position. However, Lundy said if Second Harvest’s prediction comes true, then they may need extra support from the public or else they may have to make tough decisions.

Meanwhile, Melfort’s Food Bank is in the same situation as P.A.’s and Shellbrook’s.

“As long as we’re getting donations, we can feed people,” said Ellen Zuck, secretary for the Food Bank.

She also explained that they get donations from different organizations like Second Harvest which have helped them keep up with past demand. If that continues, they’re confident they can keep up with the rise.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow