A food bank in Dawson Creek is struggling to keep up with demand, as the number of visitors has doubled in recent months.
St Mark’s Food Bank serves fresh, homemade meals and offers a variety of items to pick up in its pantry Monday to Friday.
“One of the rules is: it doesn’t matter who they are or how much money they make, we can’t refuse them,” said Dena Batt, the St Mark’s Food Bank Administrator.
The food bank, located on the corner of 15 Street and 104 Avenue, had its busiest month in August.
Batt said St Mark’s saw more than 800 visits that month, almost double its average.
She believes soaring food costs are causing many families to panic when it comes to putting food on the table.
According to Food Banks Canada, more than 25 percent of Canadians are struggling to afford food, and food banks receive over 2 million visits every month.
Batt said St Mark’s receives crucial support from the Dawson Creek community to continue feeding those in need. “We really rely on our community. It doesn’t matter if it’s funds or food, we still need the help,” she added.
Walmart donates several items five days a week, while Safeway takes care of sandwiches. No Frills delivers non-perishable goods three days a week, and the Co-op supplies bread.
Starbucks also steps in to provide baked goods, and the food bank takes part in programs like Second Harvest to receive funding.
“If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to have this food bank,” said Batt.
Food Banks Canada reported that nearly 30 percent of food banks run out of food before meeting demand, and St Mark’s is no different.
Batt said the food bank scrambles to keep up and still needs financial support, as the charity also provides personal care products, baby supplies, and animal food.
She noted that the charity receives about 90 visits a week for pet food alone.
“We do rely on our community, and we are hoping that we can still receive the help that we need,” added Batt.
The food bank is also always looking for new volunteers who want to make a difference in their community.