News articles across Canada are bringing light to current concern for food bank’s supply as inflation and the cost for basic necessities increases. Food Banks Canada is predicting this summer could be the most challenging in decades for food banks across the country. They released the results of a survey June 6th that found 23 percent of Canadians reported eating less than they believe they should because they didn’t have enough money for food. (Source: Karena Walter, St. Catharines Standard).
Here at Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold, we are noticing an increase in clients and demand for our services while the donations and supply of food remain stagnant. We are noticing for the first time a lack of non-perishable canned-food staples such as brown beans in sauce that offer protein.
“I’m sure you’ve been into the grocery store to see the sticker shock of what prices are. People have had to make a concentrated decision as to how they manage what they eat. I think we all are, right? So when you really don’t have a lot of resources, what do you do?” says Betty-Lou, Chief Executive Officer
We understand budgets are tight for everyone right now, so we wanted to suggest some innovative and fun ways to still help out this summer:
- Collect monetary or food donations for dress-down days at work
- Get some neighbours together and have a neighbourhood food drive/barbeque
- Help kids get involved with a car wash or cookie sales (check out our junior ambassador program)
- Collect non-perishable food donations at birthday parties, baby showers, or stag and does
If you are interested in having an event and have questions, reach out to the Special Events Coordinator Franklyn (905-685-1349 ext. 235).
Every donation positively impacts those who are struggling to make ends meet. With events happening again since the Covid pandemic, we have high hopes that our community will come together again and we can persist through the summer. Check out our Instagram and Facebook for upcoming events and fundraisers partnered with businesses across St. Catharines and Thorold.
Photo Credit: BOB TYMCZYSZYN / TORSTAR
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