Terri Smith, operations manager with the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, says that numbers continue to rise and data shows that record food bank usage in March was 22 per cent higher than the five-year average.
“Our numbers were climbing back in 2019 — but not like this. Now they’re even worse,” Smith said. “We’re very fortunate to have a community that groups together and helps everybody.”
The five-year average for the month of March at the food bank is 364 food hampers delivered to individual family units.
The total number of hampers in March was 467 — the first time in the food bank’s history that March has been over 400. January and February were also over 400. In a usual year, only one of those months sees unusual demand. Now, they’re all on par with each other.
Pandemic pressure combined with an ever-increasing economic crunch are not only making life more expensive, but are contributing to job loss and mental distress that are leaving families desperate.
So far, they haven’t had any problems meeting the increased need, which Smith credits to local support. They do apply for one-time grants each year, but that support is not regular and can’t be counted on.
“We try not to rely on anything other than our community,” she said, “because we’re not government-subsidized.”
Superstore Spring Food Drive
Superstore’s Canada-wide Spring Food Drive launched on March 31 and will continue through the Easter weekend on Thursday, April 14. Donations to food banks peak during the holidays, but tend to drop off in the new year.
A press release from Loblaw states that their annual spring food drive is to help address the new year need.
“As we look forward to warmer days ahead, the reality is that the need for food banks remains high coming out of the winter months, especially given the challenges of the current economic environment,” said Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “That’s why we are so grateful for generous partners like Loblaw Companies Ltd., who step forward year after year to support our neighbours in need with initiatives like the Spring Food Drive.”
Real Canadian Superstore Moose Jaw is collecting cash and food donations that will go directly to the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank.
“Moose Javians are very community-minded,” said Tonya Lagrasta, senior director of sustainability and social impact at Loblaw. “Even a two-dollar donation at the checkout goes a long way when many people contribute. Similarly, just one or two items added (to) your cart for the in-store donation bin become hundreds of pounds of food when the entire community gets involved.”
Direct donations are always an option
Those who don’t shop at Superstore can always donate directly to the food bank by dropping off items at their collection bin or donating at mjfoodbank.org/donate.
The food bank van also collects donations from the other grocery stores almost every day.
“From Safeway, we pick up the day-old bread and buns and any distressed items that they have. They donate that to us every day,” Smith said. “Walmart is a couple of times a week, Co-op is a couple times a week.”
Restaurants like A&W and McDonald's donate their empty boxes, which help with food drives because the same-sized boxes are easily packable.
Community organization of events like the Spring Food Drive take a lot of pressure off of the food bank, Smith said, because their days are busy enough just with daily operations.
Volunteers are also a crucial part of the organization. Volunteer applications can be made through the food bank website.
