The need for food and support to reduce hunger is growing across the province, and that is why the BC Food Bank says donation events are pivotal to helping those in need.
Nick Johnson, manager of member services with the BC Food Bank, said the amount of money and food raised on Vancouver Island during the holiday season is heartwarming and inspirational.
“It’s extremely impressive how the communities rally, and it’s cool to see,” he said.
Johnson said he has noticed a dramatic increase in food-bank usage across B.C., and that has led the organization to make critical choices around the holidays.
“Numbers continue to be record highs, and we’re seeing an unsustainable trend,” he said. “A lot of food banks have to make difficult decisions on whether they have to reduce the number of visits from users, or how many hampers they can give out.”
Food donations are being accepted at sites across Vancouver Island this holiday season, including “Stuff the Truck” events in Duncan, Campbell River and Courtenay.
There’s also a “Stuff the Trailer” event in Powell River.
In Duncan, donations will go to the Cowichan Valley Basket Society, Cowichan Green Community’s seniors meals-on-wheels program, House of Friendship and Nourish Cowichan.
Donations will also support local food banks in Courtenay, Campbell River and Powell River.
