Since June, the need for food hampers has increased by 125% (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Rachel May

The fight against hunger

Melfort Food Bank sees increased demand as inflation skyrockets

Sep 14, 2022 | 1:00 PM

The Melfort Food Bank is helping those in the fight against hunger.

With inflation rising, not everyone can eat a nutritious meal during the day. The Food Bank has seen an increase of 125% in the need for food hampers since June.

Ellen Zuck, Secretary of the Melford food bank, told northeastNOW that there isn’t just one type of client that uses their services.

“Lots of working singles, couples, and families, seniors with the largest increase in young urban families.”

Demand is rising but donations continue to come in at their usual frequency which is putting the Food Bank in a difficult position.

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“Our stock is getting low. Like we’re going through much more food than what we normally do, so we’re trying to find ways to gather more.”

The organization is seeking all types of food donations as well as those who are able to volunteer. Cash donations are also welcome to help purchase perishable goods such as milk, eggs, and margarine.

A new food recovery program could help fight against this problem.

“So we’re in line to add some storage containers, some freezers, and a reefer truck.”

Zuck said some local grocers already help provide food. Cindy’s Your Independent Grocer donates food through the second harvest program, Prarie North Co-op donates around 3-4 boxes of produce a week and Buy-Low Foods in Tisdale also contributes excess food.

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, the Food Bank is planning a canned food drive in October.

“What we would like to do is drop bags off at every house in Melfort. They can put cans in them, and then we’ll come by and pick them up,” Zuck added. “That will really help our can situation because we get low on vegetables and fruit very quickly.”

Zuck encourages anyone who may have time to spare to volunteer to drop off the bags or pick them up.

For those interested in volunteering, you can phone the Melfort Food Bank at 306-752-4448 to set up a time that works with your schedule.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM