By Lisa De Paoli
For some reason, it is easier to think about helping the hungry at Christmas than in the heat of July and August.
However, people who live on the razor’s edge of poverty are in need of food all year long – just like the rest of us.
Furthermore, the need for food this summer is even greater than last year.
The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre has been overwhelmed with the number of families needing food. In July and August, CFEC has provided 21 emergency food hampers and 87 prenatal coupons of $10 for expectant mothers to buy dairy and fresh food and vegetables.
In addition, 21 families receive $15 in coupons weekly for the Farmers Market and 20 weekly Good Food bags with fresh produce are distributed on Thursdays.
The CFEC also receives bread from Save-On-Foods and fruit and vegetables, which are available to those in need, from the community.
The need for food has also been great at the 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre.
Loaves & Fishes Outreach is also experiencing a large increase in need and has filled 329 food hampers in July and August to feed 665 people.
The 100 Mile Food Bank has also filled 239 emergency requests for hampers in July and August.
The South Cariboo Food Security Committee is so grateful for the generosity of this community whose resident who have donated funds, as well as fruits and vegetables this summer. Families are very thankful for the help.
However, needy families still need help during the fall and, especially, with children returning to school.
Folks can help this fall by dropping off donations and fresh fruits and vegetables to the CFEC (250-395-5155), the 100 Mile & District Women’s Centre (250-395-4093) and Loaves & Fishes Outreach (250-395-2708).
Lisa De Paoli is the chair of the South Cariboo Food Security Committee.
