Preparation is underway for the Loaves and Fishes' annual Christmas hamper campaign. Demand is expected to increase in this holiday season. (submitted/Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Holiday hamper campaign in Nanaimo expecting to see increased demand

Nov 15, 2020 | 7:55 AM

NANAIMO — The holiday season is already well underway for local food banks.

Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank launched their annual Christmas Hamper registration on Friday, Nov. 13 ahead of an expected increase in demand this year.

Peter Sinclair, executive director, told NanaimoNewsNOW they’re expecting about 25 per cent more than the 2,000 households they typically serve over the holidays.

“It’s great to be able to help people, you just wish we were in a situation where people didn’t need to be helped. We remain thankful there are so many in our community who give…to make sure everyone in our community does have food to eat,” Sinclair said.

Registration to receive a hamper is open now through first week of December. Those who don’t pre-register can visit the food bank on Dec. 23 to pick a hamper.

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The hampers are filled with a wide variety of items from meats and cheeses to fruit and vegetables.

Sinclair said Loaves and Fishes will usually include an extra item to allow recipients to personalize their holiday hamper.

“Typically we include with the hamper a gift card at a local grocery so people can go buy whatever is special to them whether it be a turkey or a ham or something else.”

Donations to support Loaves and Fishes can be made in person, over the phone or via their website.

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