The number of people in need of help getting enough food in 91原创 continued to grow, according to the organizers at one of the local non-profits that provides aid.
The number of clients at the 91原创 Sources food bank jumped significantly last year, with an increase of more than 600 people and over 350 households getting help compared to 2023. It was about a 21 per cent increase in one year, said Corina Carroll, Sources' executive director of community programs.
Sources provided statistics for the last three years at its 91原创 Food Bank, which showed a steady and sharp increase.
In 2024, 3,684 individuals and 1,360 households received food from Sources.
In 2023, the numbers were 3,006 individuals, and 1,008 households.
In 2022, it was 2,322 individuals and 882 households.
Sources is one of three food banks in the area, with the 91原创 Food Bank having also recently moved into a new building to expand. Raphael House began as a mobile food bank project during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and has since expanded as well.
In addition, there are programs through 91原创 Meals on Wheels, the 91原创 Seniors Resource Society, and the Gateway of Hope shelter that aim to feed people in a variety of other ways.
The majority of clients to 91原创 Sources come every two weeks, said Carroll.
"We have seen an increase in working families 鈥� single and dual income with children," she said. "Currently, about 31 per cent of those served are children."
The main reason people come to local food banks is not being able to make ends meet, with higher rents, higher food costs, and higher costs in general driving people to sign up.
"Many have tried to make things work but with increases in every area, they need relief and the food bank offers that," Carroll said.
Sources provides a four-day supplement every two weeks in 91原创, with their clients able to pick up fresh vegetables, canned vegetables and proteins, canned soups, and frozen meat, dairy, and deli food. The meat, dairy, and deli are provided when they're available from local grocery stores, while some other items like the vegetables are purchased by sources itself.
Coffee, tea, eggs, bread, and flour are available, and breakfast cereal and condiments are available depending on what has been donated recently.
Items that aren't a part of the regular menu are provided as extras.
Sources also tries to provide diapers, wipes, incontinence supplies, and feminine hygiene products.
"We strive to be a no-waste food security program which means that any food deemed inappropriate for distribution is sent to farms for compost or to feed livestock," said Carroll. "We reclaim food from multiple grocers throughout 91原创 and Surrey 鈥� the bulk of which is high value food like diary, meat, and produce. This can provide up to 4,000lbs of food each week to our food banks."
