Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

FOOD SECURITY IN KAMLOOPS

Kamloops Food Bank sees increase in American produce items; growing pressure on non-perishable inventory

Mar 21, 2025 | 4:33 PM

KAMLOOPS — As a result of the push to ‘Buy Canadian,’ some food banks have seen an increase in American products.

The Kamloops Food Bank also says it has experienced a similar trend, and while there’s been an increase in certain kinds of fresh produce they’re receiving, the inventory of non-perishable food items has dropped as a faster rate than normal.

The Food Share program operated by the Kamloops Food Bank picks up unsold or surplus items from 21 different grocery stores in the region. From there, meat, dairy, produce, and bakery products are distributed to clients of the food bank.

More recently, Kamloops Food Bank Executive Director Bernadette Siracky says the program has collected more American produce.

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“When they (grocery stores) have surplus product, we often see it here. So for example when cauliflower went up to $11 a head, customers weren’t buying it, but all of our clients were leaving here with cauliflower,” Siracky said, adding that they’re not sure how long the increase in certain American items will continue.

“This kind of story happens for different reasons over the years.”

As for the non-perishable side, Siracky says the warehouse inventory at the Kamloops Food Bank decreased at a much faster rate after Christmas compared to a typical year.

More people have needed the food bank more often, as proven in a national survey last year that cited more than two million monthly visits across Canada, which marked a 90 per cent increase compared to pre-pandemic years.

That increase in client visits is something the Kamloops Food Bank has in mind as preparations get underway for the bi-annual food drive this spring.

“So we typically in a food drive, retail value, will receive about $200,000 worth of food. That is helpful, especially in these times,” Siracky said. “So if you’re able to help us out, please do, it’s appreciated.”

This year’s Rotary Spring Food Drive in Kamloops will be held on Saturday, April 26.