Food bank demand surges

The Central Okanagan Food Bank is facing a significant surge in demand, with visits up 30 percent compared to the same time last year.

The increase in clients has been attributed to a combination of rising food costs, higher inflation, and the ongoing challenges faced by families and individuals in the region.

"It actually equates to around 1,500 extra households this year compared to last Christmas, so you can see the magnitude of what's taking place and why people are struggling and why they are needing to come to the food bank at this time of year," said COFB executive director Trevor Moss.

Moss says typically a family will only need to access the food bank four or five times a year to get back up on their feet.

The food bank will be launching their Christmas hamper initiative shortly.

Hampers will include extra items beyond the typical offerings, such as a turkey or ham, pancakes, cereal, eggs, and milk.

New this year, the COFB will be holding a turkey drive on Nov. 30.

"What we are encouraging people to do is buy a turkey and donate a turkey. Our goal this year is to collect 500 turkeys for our clients in West Kelowna and Kelowna," Moss added.

The food bank is also in need of more volunteers as the busy holiday season approaches.

For more information on the COFB or to donate, visit cofoodbank.com.