Large loads of fresh fruits and vegetables were ready to go a few days before Christmas at the Loaves and Fishes warehouse. (Loaves and Fishes Facebook page)

By Jordan Davidson

greater need

Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes taking stock after ‘one of the bigger’ holiday hamper program years

Jan 3, 2023 | 4:17 PM

NANAIMO — More people have seen a need to reach out for help setting their Christmas tables this holiday season.

Over 1,000 additional people took advantage of Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank’s Christmas hamper program compared to 2021.

Executive Director Peter Sinclair said demand was up significantly.

“Last year we served just over 3,300 people. We haven’t seen this many people for our Christmas Hamper since 2015. We had seen a decline through 2015 up until last year, but this year was definitely one of the bigger years that we’ve seen.”

A total of 1,993 homes received a hamper over the holidays in 2022, benefiting 4,604 individual people.

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Sinclair said there are a number of factors which played into this increase, with the most common having to do with the price of food.

“Each person is unique on why they come to the food bank, but the things we were constantly hearing was the cost of food has gone up so much, and that’s probably the biggest driver that’s bringing people to the food bank now.”

Not only did the community step up in terms of donations, but also on the volunteer side, with enough people on hand to make sure the hampers got out on time.

“We’re super appreciative of the amazing support they get from the community, without their support we simply wouldn’t be able to offer the services that we do.”

Between 275,000 and 325,000 pounds of food come through the Loaves and Fishes warehouse every month.

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