A growing number of residents are turning to a local food bank as the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets.
St. Mark’s Food Bank in Dawson Creek is seeing a sharp increase in demand, with more families facing difficult choices between covering essential expenses and putting food on the table.
Food bank administrator Dena Batt says the situation has worsened in recent months. Since January, about 80 new people have registered for services.
“What I’ve been hearing is; they can’t afford food,” Batt said, pointing to higher grocery prices along with rising rent and utility costs as key factors driving the increase.
The organization, which provides homemade meals and pantry items Monday through Friday, served an average of about 40 people per day at the beginning of May. That number has now doubled to approximately 80 daily visits, a trend Batt calls “concerning.”
Batt says the surge in demand is placing additional strain on the food bank’s resources and staff, increasing the need for community support.
While a portion of funding comes from Food Banks B.C., St. Mark’s relies largely on local donations to continue operating.
The organization is also working toward accreditation through Food Banks Canada’s Standards of Excellence program. Batt says the designation would help improve operations, strengthen community trust and potentially secure more funding.
She adds that the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to drive demand, leaving many households struggling to keep up with basic costs.
Despite the growing need, Batt is encouraging anyone experiencing food insecurity to seek help.
“This is what we’re here for; to help anyone who is suffering and needs food in their home,” she said.
This year also marks 40 years of service for St. Mark’s Food Bank. Batt says the past 14 years have been increasingly successful since the organization joined Food Banks B.C., helping strengthen operations and expand support for the community.