Food Hamper in a shopping cart at a Food Bank (Photo Submitted)
Many food banks across the province are facing an all-time high in demand for donations as numbers are continuing to rise within Edmonton and Calgary as Thanksgiving weekend is approaching. The rising need for food assistance is putting immense pressure on resources, as more families turn to food banks for support.
Tamisan Benzc-Knight, spokesperson from the Edmonton Food Bank spoke with Windspeaker Radio Network about the needed items such as a turkey or ham, or donated funds for the Edmonton Food Bank to purchase festive items for families in need.
Benzc-Knight puts into perspective the skyrocketing rise of applicants from 1996 where averaging 19,500 people, fast forward to 2024, the number of applicants through the food hamper program is at 40,000 people a month.
When it comes down to the numbers, Benzc-Knight says that the cost of living, utilities, child-care and food prices at grocery stores, is pushing many people over the edge in need of food bank support. Adding that with donating to your local food bank helps neighbors in need and to build the community back up.
Mellissa From, President and CEO of The Calgary Food Bank says they are facing unprecedented demand food and baby needs as they serve over 750 hampers a day through each month with the numbers continuing to climb.
From goes on to say that the best way to help is to find your local food bank and contribute donations or funds, as cash donations go a long way with purchasing needed items to fill the hampers.
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