The summer months are very difficult for food banks across our province. Donations tend to decline during the summer and many food banks find it difficult to meet the need. Rising food and fuel prices are putting more pressure on Food Banks across BC.
Food Bank use across BC continues to rise and rural communities have been the hardest hit. Transportation of donated food is a major concern and some rural food banks have had to close their doors early and turn people away due to a lack of supplies. For smaller rural food banks the campaign can be the only way to get their message out to potential donors.
More than 94,000 people walked into a food bank in March 2010 a 5% increase over 2009. Of this 30% were children, 21% of those assisted in BC report provincial disability income support as their primary source of income – the highest in Canada.
Seniors and others on marginal incomes are particularly vulnerable to increased costs and many have to rely on food banks to meet their nutritional needs. More single parents have to turn to food banks for their children’s basic needs.
