Summer is the worst time for the poor in Burnaby when it comes to hunger.
If Christmas is the giving season, then by the time August rolls around, the cupboards at the local food banks are often running low.
This year is especially bad, with a 25 per cent increase in need compared with this time last year in Burnaby and New Westminster, according to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
"It's tough times for many families," said food bank communications director Kay Thody, in an email to the NOW. "With summer, there is the added pressure of child care, summer camps and lack of other resources that are traditionally available through schools during other times of the year. Many of the clients we serve are close to the poverty line and are already forced to make difficult decisions with their dollars, so even subtle increases to the cost of food and living can have a big impact on their lives."
The food bank distributes food for nearly 27,000 people weekly through 15 food depots and over 100 community agencies in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster.
Most needed are non-perishable, high-protein food items like canned fish, canned meat and peanut butter, as well as dry, whole wheat pasta and pasta sauce, dry rice, canned meals, canned fruit and vegetables, and baby food and formula.
While any donations are appreciated, Thody noted monetary donations can be stretched even further. For every dollar donated, the food bank can purchase $3 worth of groceries due to bulk purchase of fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs.
The food bank receives no government funding and relies on individuals and organizations for funds, food, and volunteer work.
For more information, or to donate, visit www.foodbank.bc.ca.
