The summer can be an especially trying time for families that are struggling to make ends meet, meaning an extra strain on the province’s food banks as a result.
Tina Bishop of the Community Food Sharing Association says kids are out of school, which means the breakfast and lunch programs that many rely on are on pause until September.
She says that is putting an extra strain on families that are already struggling and that often means that families are availing of the food banks in their communities. She says local food banks are reporting “constant increases month-over month” and it is taking a toll on their resources.
Community Food Sharing Association general manager Tina Bishop with the new electric van from CAA. (VOCM News)
Bishop says they will often get a push of donations around Christmas that will get them through the winter, but the amount being given this time of year is at a minimum – despite many people and families needing the same level of support.
She says people who at one time would donate their time, or make a small donation every so often, can no longer do so due to the cost of living.
In fact, Bishop says some of those people have been forced to avail of food banks themselves. She says demand is increasing, donations are decreasing, and ultimately the situation is not sustainable.
