Melfort Food Bank. (File photo/northastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Food bank in need

Melfort Food Bank in dire need of cash infusion as usage and costs increase

Aug 20, 2024 | 4:00 PM

The Melfort Food Bank is busier than ever and in urgent need of financial support.

Secretary Ellen Zuck told northeastNOW the number of people using the food bank has increased by about 60 per cent over the past year, and usage has been climbing steadily over the past two to three years.

“We’re seeing new people every time that we’re open,” Zuck explained. “Probably 20 per cent new people each time we open, people we haven’t seen in a long time, so the face of the food bank is changing.”

Zuck said they’re seeing a wide variety of people that need the services, including seniors, single people, working families, and newcomers to Canada. She added people with full-time jobs are using the food bank because they just can’t make it to payday.

The increased food bank usage has put a major financial strain on the organization.

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“We’re into our reserves now and we’re probably good for about six months of that,” said Zuck. “If something doesn’t change, we’re not really sure what we’re going to do.”

They do have a decent amount of food, thanks in part to the food rescue from Prairie North Co-op and Cindy’s Independent Grocer. Zuck said that helps keep them going with fresh produce, milk, and other items.

“Our big need right now is a cash influx – we’re just kind of waiting to see what’s going to happen.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, food bank donations increased, and usage declined slightly. Zuck said food bank use went up after restrictions were lifted and people were able to move about freely.

The cost of living has been a major factor in the higher need for the program.

“I’m seeing people that don’t normally come here and they’re saying ‘we just can’t afford the groceries,’” Zuck said. “Not just groceries…that’s the big thing, everybody needs to eat, but they can’t afford the power bill and the extra gas costs, and everything keeps going up.”

Zuck said the food bank’s operating costs have been increasing with everyone else’s, and the higher traffic at the food bank is also leading to their financial difficulty. Their cash donations have also dropped over the past few years, and they have been getting about $200 per month. They need approximately $4,000 per month to operate.

Monetary donations to the food bank can be sent via e-transfer, through the mail at P.O. Box 3688 Melfort, or at their building on Broadway Ave.

Zuck said they’re also still taking food donations, and especially love to give out garden produce to those in need.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK