By Daryl Major

Cash needed for Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Food Bank as demand grows

Oct 18, 2016 | 12:26 PM

NANAIMO – The Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank in Nanaimo is putting out a call for cash donations as they see an increase in the number of people in need.

Loaves and Fishes executive director Peter Sinclair says the money keeps trucks on the road, coolers working and allows them to buy more food through a unique partnership with local grocers.

“One dollar we’re able to turn into $4.30 worth of food. We do that through our food recovery program where we partner with local grocery stores to access the perishable food that they’re throwing out,” said Sinclair. “That has made a tremendous, tremendous difference for us. We’re seeing more food come through here than ever before.”

Despite positive economic news in the Harbour City the past few months, Sinclair says they have seen a 10 per cent increase in client visits month to month this year over last.

“I was quite surprised myself when we ran the stats,” said Sinclair. “Our volunteers and operational staff indicated that they were seeing a lot of people. So when we ran the reports it certainly confirmed what they were seeing. So it did come as a surprise to us.”

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One third of the people accessing the food bank are children, according to Sinclair. He expects donations at their bins will increase over the next few weeks.

“This is the time of year where we start to see donations pick up. And in fact we rely on those donations picking up. So we have seen an uptick in food donations coming through. But what we really need at this point are cash donations.”

Sinclair says they will be rolling out their annual Christmas Hamper program in November.