Demand at the Red Deer Food Bank remains higher than ever.
Last week, the food bank made a plea for donations while sharing a photo on social media showing the nonprofit organization’s warehouse shelves were largely empty. This Monday, the Red Deer Food Bank shared another photo showing the community pantry’s shelves were completely bare.
“The Red Deer Food Bank has continued to face unprecedented demand,” said executive director Mitch Thomson.
“This was the busiest week of hamper distribution on record for us. We did have people stepping up, bringing in food and donations. But we are still incredibly low. We appreciate the efforts and we hope to encourage those who can contribute to come forward because the demand is so great.
“We’ve been operating at a reduced level and have been for several months now. The increased donations we’re receiving are helping us keep up with the day-to-day at the moment, but we still have a long way to go.”
Going back to 2022, the Red Deer Food Bank has reduced the amount of food going into hampers three different times.
“We’ve held back some of the items that would normally go in our pantry, that would supplement a person’s diet, to ensure those who are the most in need receive the benefits of the goods we have,” said Thomson.
Historically, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for the Red Deer Food Bank.
“Getting closer to Christmas, we will see an increase – we always do. Having an increase a month early is a little bit scary for us. We’re ramping up for a greater demand,” said Thomson.
It’s not just the Red Deer Food Bank experiencing such high levels of demand, Thomson noted.
“We’ve talked to our colleagues in Innisfail, Sylvan Lake and Blackfalds – they’re all facing similar pressure points right now. Everybody is trying to do their best to support, but it’s taking a toll on our network as a whole,” he said.
From Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, the food bank and Red Deer Christmas Bureau will collect donations at the Parkland Mall for the Stuff A Bus fundraiser. Red Deerians are invited to brings donations of food, toys, cash or cheque.
For more information on the Red Deer Food Bank, or to make an online donation, visit www.reddeerfoodbank.com.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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