With donations down, The Campbell River Salvation Army is asking the community for help re-stocking their food pantry as supplies run out.
“We have been seeing a change in demographics recently with an increase in lower income families with children accessing our services,” said family services in-take worker Betty Tiede. “It’s becoming more of a challenge to pack nutritionally balanced hampers.”
The Salvation Army in Campbell River operates the back-up emergency food bank and provides food hampers four times a year to households which meet the criteria for assistance.
“I don’t really think the community in general is even aware that we offer this type of assistance,” said The Salvation Army’s Community Ministries Director Kevin Mack. “On average we assist approximately 400 local households per year with food hampers.”
While The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle fundraiser was successful this past year, food donations in particular have decreased significantly over previous years.
“We are concerned we won’t be able to keep up with demand,” said Mack. There are many families in our community struggling to keep afloat.”
Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at The Salvation Army’s Ocean Crest Community Church at 291 McLean Street Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
“Items such as small peanut butter, pasta sauce, spaghetti, noodles, jam, crackers, canned veggies, canned fruit and canned meat, especially tuna are in high demand,” said Tiede
Cash donations toward the purchase of food are also greatly appreciated. Call 250-287-3720 for more information.