September is a tough month for expenses and it’s also one of the toughest for the Salvation Army Food Bank.
“Things are getting a bit thin,” said David Byers, Salvation Army community services manager for the food bank. “So we are really hoping people can help fill the need.”
Byers notes that for many families, September brings extra costs associated with going back to school and this can cut deeply into food budgets.
“Usage is up, up, up,” he said, noting he’s been so busy running the food bank, that he hasn’t kept up with the statistics. In May, the last month he tracked, there were 3,300 people helped by the food bank in some capacity.
The meal program offered weekly at the Salvation Army church at 191 Second Ave. is also seeing an upswing in use, with sometimes more than 100 people coming in for the free lunch.
There are many ways people can help feed those less fortunate in the community.
Byers is hoping those with plentiful gardens will share some of their bounty.
“We love to get fresh produce to supplement the non-perishables,” said Byers. “So if you’ve got any vegetables or fresh fruit from your trees, we’d love to have it.”
Items can be dropped off at the food bank, which is now located in the former thrift store attached to the Lighthouse Shelter at 441 Third Street SW. This is adjacent to the SASCU Memorial Indoor Arena.
There are also a number of ways for people to donate. The Salmon Arm Guides will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items as part of their participation in the Salmon Arm Fair Parade through downtown Salmon Arm on Saturday, Sept. 12. The guides will come past with wagons for people to drop off their donations.
In addition, the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive is a province-wide effort that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Just place unopened, non-perishable food items in a bag on your doorstep before 9 a.m. Volunteers will pick up the contribution and deliver it to the local food bank. If your donation is not picked up by 1 p.m., call 250-803-4183 for pick up.