There is a crisis in St. Albert. This week, the local food bank said the demand for food has doubled in a year. What is worse is that demand is up while donations have dropped. The food bank has reduced the size of its food hampers as it tries to stretch its limited resources. It is asking for help to feed needy families.
St. Albert Food Bank Director Suzan Krecsy blames the poor economy, and the wildfires in Fort McMurray for depleting food bank stores. On average, the food bank is helping out 250 families a month, double the number it helped a year ago. Many former donors are now joining the ranks of the unemployed. Some people are still working, but are getting fewer hours and consequently less pay than in the past. “It’s not enough,” Krecsy said.
The food bank is grateful for the generosity of St. Albert businesses and individuals who have offered cash or their garden produce. St. Albert Farmers’ Market vendors are also stepping up to the plate offering their unsold produce. But there is still a shortfall, and Krecsy thinks it might get worse this month with back-to-school costs. With those costs many families are doubly squeezed this month. There are more families who are using the food bank for the first time.
Today (Saturday Sept. 17) St. Albert Food Bank volunteers will be going door to door to collect food left for them on doorsteps. The food bank is hoping for 60,000 pounds of food or more to restore its depleted shelves. Krecsy says the food drive is the most important one in the food bank’s 32-year history. She has her fingers crossed that St. Albert residents will save the day, like they have in the past.
Anyone who can donate or help gather food is welcome to pitch in. Food can also be dropped off at any local grocery store or fire hall.
St. Albert is not alone. Many food banks across Alberta are seeing unrelenting demand as unemployment rates rise to levels Alberta not seen in 22 years. Unemployment in the Edmonton region hit eight per cent in August. The problem is made worse by the rising cost of some foods, and the lower loonie that means both consumers and food banks are using more of their budgets to buy some U.S. food staples.
The food bank relies heavily on donations of cash and food from individuals and business. But as the economy worsens some of those same businesses and individuals have less to give. Some long time donors are now lining up at food banks.
This is an unprecedented crisis that demands an immediate response. It’s time for St. Albert individuals and businesses to lend a helping hand to needy St. Albertans with donations of food and cash.
