The 16th annual Hamperville campaign is a joint effort between Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank and the Salvation Army was a big success. (Submitted-Loaves and Fishes)

By Kyle Ireland

positive sign

‘It’s surprising:’ Food bank hands out fewer hampers this holiday season

Dec 27, 2019 | 3:12 AM

NANAIMO — Officials are encouraged by a significant drop in the number of people receiving a holiday food hamper from Loaves and Fishes and Community Food.

Executive Director Peter Sinclair said 4,100 people accepted a holiday meal package compared to the 4,700 people who benefited last year.

He said the 13 per cent drop was not expected, pointing to concerning data over the previous few months.

“When we look at our numbers in terms of the people using the service in October and November of this year we were up between 3 and 4 percent,” Sinclair said.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint why fewer people required food in the cupboards over the holidays, Sinclair said the drop is a positive sign.

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“It’s puzzling, but at the same time encouraging,” Sinclair told NanaimoNewsNOW. “We had lot’s of donations so everyone had something to eat.”

Each year the Hamperville program requires heavy lifting from the community in the form of food/monetary donations and volunteers to assemble the hampers.

Sinclair said more than 1,000 volunteers stepped up to assist the regoin’s needy.

“We absolutely couldn’t do our work without the support of the community, whether it was the people who volunteered their time or food or cash donations. Everyone came together to make sure it was a great Christmas Hamper Season.”

Sinclair told NanaimoNewsNOW the vast majority of the food handed out was donated. The Food Bank did purchase eggs and gift cards to add to the hampers.

Kyle@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @Kyle_Ireland31