(Photo credit: CFJC Today).

By Stephanie Swensrude

COST OF LIVING

Inflation squeezing Kamloops Food Bank

Jul 5, 2022 | 4:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — According to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada, the price of groceries is up 9.7 per cent. The Kamloops Food Bank is feeling the pinch — both in its operating costs and increased visits from new users.

Kamloops Food Bank’s Wes Graham says even though the organization has access to special bulk deals, its dollar isn’t stretching as far.

“The prices have definitely gone up. Even if we want to make larger orders, there’s still only so much our stores can do,” said Graham.

Gas is more expensive, too — up 48 per cent from the same time last year. As the Kamloops Food Bank serves smaller communities in the Interior, it burns gas transporting pallets to other food banks.

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“With the food recovery program, we’re noticing a $1,500 increase each month on our truck going to the stores and diverting that food from the landfill,” he said.

“That carries on to the nine regional food banks that we support in the area as well, because they come and pick up product from us and distribute it in their communities, and they’re finding the pinch just to get to Kamloops to pick the product up.”

Graham says new people are coming to the food bank every day.

“Individuals who do need our service, they can come for perishable items once a week, and a non-perishable hamper once a month. We are seeing those who maybe only accessed us once a month for some support, they’re now coming two or three times a month,” he said. “Those who never accessed us before are maybe coming one time per month.”

Even if they’re not quite resorting to the food bank, shoppers who spoke to CFJC Today are still changing their buying habits.

“I’ve definitely had to be more on a budget, paying attention to what I’m spending. I’m sort of used to being able to buy things that are organic and a little bit higher priced, but now with all the inflation I have to be a little bit more cognizant of that,” said one shopper.

“Particularly with produce. [I’m] buying a lot less produce and a lot less red meat,” said another.

Graham noted some families who make monthly donations may reevaluate their contributions. Those who can’t afford to donate with food or money can lend their support in other ways.

“If you are a business group or a small business, and you have a core staff that wanna get together and come and volunteer and support us that way, that’s a huge help as well,” said Graham.

“Bringing people into our organization and showing them what we do and the impact we have that’s what really builds the foundation of our support.”