First-time clients up 91% as Barrie Food Bank kicks off Spring Food Drive
The goal is to raise $100,000 and 100,000 pounds of food by the end of April
The impact of rising costs for housing, gas, food, and the fallout from the pandemic, can be seen on a daily basis at the Barrie Food Bank.
The organization is now serving about 2,600 individuals each month, of which 900 are kids.
First-time clients are up 91 per cent over the previous year.
With increased demand, the food bank’s Spring Food Drive is a month-long, lasting until the end of April.
Executive Director Sharon Palmer says people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
“You hear people talking about having to leave their apartment for one reason or another and then try to find new accommodation. If you’re trying to come up with first and last month’s rent, and you’re on a very limited income, that’s really a stretch.”
Another group that is up significantly is seniors.
“Anyone on a fixed income is not really able to keep up with these increased costs,” Palmer added.
The food bank is holding a drop-off event on Tuesday, Apr. 5 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The public can come by the food bank at 42 Anne St. South to drop off their donations. As well, the food bank is open to accept donations from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Most supermarkets are participating in the food drive and have drop-off boxes in the stores.
The goal is to raise $100,000 and 100,000 pounds of food by the end of April.
Palmer says the financial component is critical.
“Financial donations are really important to us,” she explains. “Without those, we really can’t purchase meat, dairy and produce. We want to keep people healthy, and we want to be able to offer those items, and not just canned goods. They’re both very important to us.”
Most Needed Food Items:
- Canned tomatoes
- pasta
- pasta sauce
- peanut butter
- canned tuna, ham and chicken
- soups/stews
- school snacks such as granola bars, puddings, and fruit cups
- canned vegetables
- canned fruit
- oatmeal packs (breakfast size)
- cereal
- personal hygiene items such as: body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, tampons, and pad