The Revelstoke food bank said it’s getting busier and busier.
“We’re up to three times busier,” said Patti Larson, director at Community Connections. When the Review last chatted with Larson last month, food bank visitation had doubled. Since then, demand has grown.
Larson said people from all walks of life are accessing the food bank and there are plenty of new faces since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
| Oscarlina, a neighbourhood cat, comes for some scratches each morning from people lined up at the food bank. (Liam Harrap/Revelstoke Review) |
Yet, she did note there are also many donations rolling in, such as from the porch-raits project and locals making masks in exchange for monetary contribution to the food bank.
The Porch-raits alone raised more than $4,000.
“This community is exceptional in stepping up,” said Larson.
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Many local business, including restaurants, are still donating food.
“And they’re struggling themselves,” she said.
The food bank said they are trying to buy local when possible, such as meat from Greenslide Cattle Company.
Although many businesses are planning to reopen this month across the province, Larson said many people will not be going back to work.
“Food insecurity is impacting everyone in Revelstoke. At all levels.”
Community Connections has amalgamated the food bank and food recovery program, offering food in the alley behind their building from 11 a.m to noon, Monday to Friday.
Community Connections said people can make donations on their website or by sending e-transfers to finance@community-connections.ca.
Shoppers can also add $2 to their grocery bills at Save-On-Foods and Southside as a donation to the food bank.
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liam.harrap@revelstokereview.com
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