Amid inflation pressures, Kamloops Fall Rotary Food Drive organizers hope for heavy food harvest

“It fills up our shelves for 3-to-4 months every food drive, so 60,000 pounds that’s going to put food in people’s houses for three months. It’s essential to what we do and it’s awesome running the food drive in Kamloops,” says Wes Graham, Director of Warehouse Operations.

Graham adds that the 1,200 banana boxes behind him will be full by the end of the food drive.

The food bank reports that donations are up, but so is the number of clients the food bank sees every month. Siracky says this is due to the rising costs of living.

“In regards to people using us, the numbers are going up. We have seen a 70 per cent increase in clients in August 2022 compared to August 2021,” says Siracky.

“The costs of living have gone up. It’s affected you and me and everyone of us — whether it’s fuel, whether it’s the cost of anything, it’s continuing to rise. That has forced a number of people into some uncomfortable situations where it may be just for a short period of time or a long period of time. That need is out there,” adds Bryce Herman with the Kamloops Rotary Club.

The food bank has seen a jump in new clients by 120 new households last month alone.

As costs are rising, using the food bank may become more common.

With another Fall Rotary Food drive ready to kick into gear this weekend the food collected will support anyone in need.

“We’re here to support them. Some people come once, some people once a month, some come because of a job loss, a health issue. But for the most part people are just grateful and I want the community to know that our clients are very grateful for the support we get in the community,” Siracky adds.

Residents are reminded to leave their yellow bags full of food at the end of their driveways or on their doorsteps by 9:00 a.m. Saturday, or drop by the Kamloops Food Bank on the North Shore to donate directly.

by Connor Gunn

Amid inflation pressures, Kamloops Fall Rotary Food Drive organizers hope for heavy food harvest

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