B.C.’s biggest food bank is asking for some holiday help to stock shelves sitting empty on the day before Christmas.
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank says donations are down 18 per cent over the same time last year, and volunteers are scrambling to bring in food.
“Every driver that we have today is out and about picking up food wherever we can,” CEO Aart Schuurman Hess said. “It’s a critical time for us.”
The food bank’s warehouse in East Vancouver had unfilled boxes stacked to the ceiling on Wednesday, and much of the fresh food cooler was similarly bare.
Almost three-quarters of the food bank’s annual donations usually arrive during the holidays, and it’s unclear why this year’s haul is down.
“I can only say I invite everybody to support us because we do great work and we are taking care of an incredible amount of people,” Schuurman Hess said.
“A full trailer with potatoes – 40,000 pounds – is enough for one week for our members, so that puts things in perspective.”
About 28,000 people rely on the GVFB every week.
Anyone who wants to help out can do so by dropping off donations in person at the warehouse at 1150 Raymur Ave., at any Vancouver fire hall, or at most grocery stores.
Healthy non-perishables such as canned meat and fish, beans, whole wheat pasta and cereal, diced tomatoes, rice, and baby food are especially encouraged.
Cash donations are also welcome through the Greater Vancouver Food Bank website. The GVFB says it can purchase three dollars’ worth of groceries for every dollar donated.
Tax receipts are issued for any donations of $20 or more.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Nafeesa Karim
