There is a desperate need for meat, fruit, vegetables, pasta, sauces, pork, and beans. (File photo/northeastNOW)

By Rachel May

Food Bank

Melfort Food Bank feels the effects of inflation

Jul 9, 2023 | 8:00 AM

As grocery items begin to take more money from our wallets, it is also taking away donations from the Melfort Food Bank.

Not only are donations down but the need has increased.

Ellen Zuck, the Food Bank’s secretary told northeastNOW that due to a lack of donations, they are having to adjust what they typically put in their hampers.

“So we’re really low on our hamper basics. So that’s mostly canned goods. We’re not giving out some stuff because we just don’t have it.”

Things the food bank is in desperate need of are meat, fruit, vegetables, pasta, sauces, pork and beans.

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Zuck explained that food donations aren’t the only thing that the food bank has been struggling with.

“Our cash donations have taken a big hit so far this year. We have received under $1,000 in cash donations.”

Cash donations are used towards operating costs such as power, gas and purchasing food items that aren’t typically donated.

Zuck believes the reason donations are down is because of the increased price of groceries.

“People are struggling to buy their own groceries so they don’t have a lot extra for the food bank.”

The saving grace for the food bank has been its food recovery program. It allows the food bank to rescue food from grocery stores that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

It typically consists of produce, bakery and dairy items which allow families to receive items such as cheese, yoghurt, bread and fresh produce.

The food bank accepts donations of any variety and Zuck is reminding the community that anyone could be someone who needs to utilize the food bank.

“We do have vulnerable people and hunger is a big issue in Melfort. Some people don’t think it is but we do have hungry people here.”

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM