The Archway Food Bank in Abbotsford has seen a 72 per cent increase in people accessing services in the last year.
George Carter, an Archway Food Bank supervisor, said year-end numbers indicate that 9,108 used the food bank in 2022, compared to 5,302 in 2021.
He said this has put a strain on resources.
“Each year, we’re seeing an increasing need for food security programs,” he said. “This Christmas we had more than 1,100 households apply for support through our Christmas Bureau.”
Some households are sponsored through a matching program, but the majority receive holiday hampers, toys and gift cards directly from the Archway Food Bank.
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Carter said that, although the organization was able to support everyone who needed held over Christmas, they’re worried about meeting the increased demand in 2023.
Each month, more than 3,500 individuals access the Archway Food Bank. They receive a monthly food hamper and some basic supplies such as diapers, formula and feminine hygiene products as available.
“Not only does the need keep going up, grocery prices have gone up, which means the donations don’t go as far as they used to,” Carter said.
The Archway Food Bank is supported primarily through donations by individuals, organizations or local fundraising activities, with the majority of contributions usually coming in December.
Jennifer Willford, Archway manager of philanthropy, said the highest cost of living in decades has made it more difficult for people to donate.
“Our community has been so supportive, but we still have a long way to go to meet the intense need we’ve been experiencing,” she said.
Those wishing to make a donation can visit AbbotsfordFoodBank.com/donate. Donations received or postmarked by Dec. 31 receive a 2022 charitable tax receipt.
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