Food bank slammed by inflation spike

Jun 30, 2022 | 5:00 AM

The sharp increase in the cost of food and fuel is having a dramatic impact on the Vernon Salvation Army House of Hope Food Bank.

The rate of inflation in British Columbia in May hit a 40-year high of 8.2 per cent, driven by a 48 per cent year over year increase in gasoline costs and a nearly 10 per cent jump in the cost of groceries.

For families that rely on driving for work, there have been some tough choices, and fuel is winning out over food.

“We are absolutely seeing the demand going up, as well as food donations we rely on not being there, as people can’t afford to give as much, so we are definitely feeling the pinch of inflation,” Salvation Army Auxillary Lieutenant Neil Thompson told Vernon Matters.

Compounding the problem is that the summer months are typically a slow time for financial and food donations to the organization.

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“It was up about 45 per cent from May through June, it terms of the amount of food we have given out and more than double the amount of individuals we normally serve,” Thompson said.

While food donations are always welcome, financial contributions go a lot further.

“We can make cash donations go along way compared to an individual buying items, as we have bulk buying power,” Thompson stated.

About one-third of those served by the food bank are children and youth.

The top ten most needed items include: