FORT ST.. JOHN, B.C. -- The pressure of inflation is making it harder for Canadians to put food on the table, but there's some relief in Fort St. John for families in need.
The Salvation Army is providing nine households that rely on the food bank with pressure cookers, donated by Pampered Chef. The families in need are also receiving a lesson on cooking quick, affordable and healthy meals.
Three generations of Tammy Gussman’s family were taught how to use their new pressure cooker. She said the useful kitchen tool is something that would be hard for her household to afford.
Melanie Mason with the Salvation Army says the pressure cookers “add to the value of the household because then they can cook way different recipes." Mason noted it can provide an opportunity for food bank families to use oddball items, like lentils, that are commonly donated.
In addition to the gift, the food bank has also organized a pressure cooker safety class with Beccalicious Cooking.
"It's just a really great opportunity to give people a chance to learn some new things in the kitchen," said owner Becky Belle.
Belle is happy to be giving back with the lesson on preparing healthy meals efficiently.
“It’s not only empowering you as a cook, but empowering your body and putting in nutrients, rather than pulling it out like with some of the yucky things in foods,” she said.
The quicker cooking time is exciting for Gussman’s family, which has a busy schedule.
"Right now my daughter has baseball with two girls, four nights a week, so that means easy dinners," she said.
With inflation at a 31 year high, it's not just time that's strained. An Angus Reid poll says nearly half of Canadians are finding it difficult to feed their families.
The rising cost of living was echoed by Gussman, who’s thankful for the gift amid financially stressful times.
"You can't afford to go to the store and buy major amounts of stuff for meals like this, and with the food the Salvation Army supplies you can make beautiful meals," she said.
