They aren’t easily identifiable as you walk down the street or chat with co-workers, but there are people going hungry in the North Okanagan.
National Hunger Awareness Day is Wednesday.
“I hope residents will reflect on people in the community who face these challenges day-in, day-out,” said David MacBain, community ministries director with the Vernon Salvation Army food bank.
“There are some people working eight hours a day who are hungry and there are kids without sufficient breakfast and lunch at school.”
In March, 1,089 people accessed services at the Vernon food bank. Of those, 758 were adults and 331 were children. There were 359 women and 15 seniors.
Thirty-seven per cent were on social assistance while 33 per cent were on provincial disability. Employed individuals accounted for 11 per cent while there were seven per cent on pensions and two per cent on employment insurance.
“The numbers don’t include those who come in for bread. There are likely 100 to 150 of those a day,” said MacBain.
The reasons for going to the food bank vary, but the recession has led to people losing their jobs or having wages frozen.
MacBain points out that rent, fuel and utility costs have increased and that puts pressure on limited budgets.
“For those not working, these conditions are unbearable and for those working, it’s a strain to make ends meet let alone put food on the table.”
To meet the growing demand, food banks in Vernon, Lumby, Armstrong and Enderby count on donations.
“There is continued support from the community,” said MacBain.
A number of special events are planned for the Vernon food bank including a Prospera Credit Union garage sale June 4, Creative Chaos June 3 to 5 and a World Financial Group event at the Village Green Centre June 11 and 12.
Donations are also welcome at the Salvation Army in Vernon, as well as the food banks elsewhere in the North Okanagan.
