Archway Food Bank employee (Kelly Fowler) standing in front of empty food bank shelves.
The Archway Food Bank continues to respond to rising food insecurity, now serving 6,000 clients each month. This number has gone up from an average of 3,500 clients in 2022, highlighting the ongoing and growing need for supplemental food assistance in Abbotsford.
“In the last three years, the number of people coming to our Food Bank for help has almost doubled,” said Rebecca Thuro, Manager of Food Security.
“We’re seeing a greater number of families and individuals from all walks of life who simply can’t afford to keep up with the rising cost of living.”
According to Food Banks Canada, nearly 1 in 4 people living in Canada live in food insecure households, with more than 50% of Canadians one pay cheque away from needing to use a food bank.
The Archway Food Bank relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, organizations, and fundraising groups to help keep its shelves stocked and programs running. With less than 1% of funding coming from government sources, grants and donations are relied upon to meet the growing needs of our community.
While the need remains high, financial donations typically decline during the summer months, making it more difficult to meet the ongoing demand.
“Summer is one of the hardest times for food banks; with people away on vacation the donations tend to significantly slow down,” said Thuro.
“Our community has always been so supportive, but the shelves are going bare faster than we can fill them,” said Cindy Walker, Manager of Philanthropy.
To help meet the current demand, the Food Bank has released its Most Needed Items List for August which includes the following items: canned beans, canned tomatoes, canned meat, and cereal.
Community members are encouraged to drop off donations at the Archway Food Bank, Archway Community Services, and the following local grocery stores: No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Save-On-Foods, and Otter Co-Op.
“You can also help your neighbours with a financial donation that the food bank can stretch farther by buying in bulk,” said Walker. To contribute, please visit AbbotsfordFoodBank.com/donate.
Organizations who would like to set up a fundraiser or food drive can email foodbank@archway.ca for more details.
“In the last three years, the number of people coming to our Food Bank for help has almost doubled.”
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Your financial gift can help provide hampers full of nutritious food with staples like milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, rice, meat, oatmeal and more.