As inflation rises, local food banks and grocery stores are doing their best to help those in need. (Facebook/Melfort Food Bank Inc.)

By Rachel May

Food bank

Melfort Food Bank talks about the realities of inflation

Jun 15, 2022 | 12:00 PM

With inflation rising, local food banks and grocery stores are doing their best to help those in need.

As we all notice a jump in our grocery bills, some families are struggling to make ends meet.

Secretary of the Melfort Food Bank, Ellen Zuck, told northeastNOW their numbers have shot up over the past six months.

“Our numbers have probably climbed up 25 per cent since January and 50 per cent since last year at this time.”

Although their demand has gone up, the community is still donating any extra food they have. The food bank has also made a new partner in a neighbouring community.

Iran War

Iran calls on public to find 'enemy pilot' as U.S. continues frantic search

2h ago

Cheese recall

Co-op product sold in Sask. among items recalled over listeria concerns: CFIA

2h ago

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

20h ago

“Our saving grace right now is that we have partnered with FoodMesh and the Buy Low Foods in Tisdale. We do a food recovery, a food rescue program through them. That’s really saving our skins right now because we get quite a bit of food from them every week.”

With the summer months coming up, Zuck thinks that the demand will continue to rise and with gas prices continuing to climb she doesn’t see the trend slowing down anytime soon.

The food bank is once again participating in the After the Bell program. The program focuses on giving children healthy food while they are out of school for the summer.

Zuck said the program is special as children receive a bag of shelf stable food along with items like cheese and yogurt.

“The kids like it because it’s their own little bag. They can eat it all at once, they can hide it or they can do whatever they want with it.”

Although the final details of the program are being worked out, bags will be available in July.

For those in need of a basic hamper for long term use, you can expect some food staples such as fruits, vegetables and eggs. If you have children, milk is included as well.

Emergency hampers are available for those who may be facing going hungry until they get their next paycheque. This hamper will be lighter than a basic hamper but will last those in need for a few days.

The food bank is encouraging everyone to go through their pantry and donate what they aren’t using. Zuck also is reminding those in need to reach out and ask for help.

“That’s all we do is hand out food. That’s what we are. We’re the food bank.”

–

Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM