Food shortage worries Vernon soup kitchen staff

VERNON – A local agency that helps people in need is reaching out for some community support.

Supplies at the Upper Room Mission soup kitchen—which serves around 300 meals a day this time of year—are extremely low. Fundraising director Lisa Anderson says the cupboards are emptier than they’ve been in a very long time.

“The shelves are so bare, I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “It’s a little bit alarming.”

It’s a busy time of year for the soup kitchen with many people seeking a hot meal off the cold streets, and it’s only expected to get busier in the coming months. So far, no mouth has gone unfed.

“I hope we never get to that point. To turn people away would be devastating,” Anderson says.

The Mission is appealing to the public for cash or food donations to help them meet the need in the community. Groceries are greatly appreciated, though Anderson says the Mission can do more with money donations. 

“We’re certainly not pushing away food, we are so thankful for everything,” Anderson says. “But we have a great buying power. For every dollar, we can stretch it into three dollars because we have good corporate sponsors and we can purchase at wholesale prices.”

A $50 donation will provide a healthy, filling meal to approximately 15 people, Anderson says.

Donations can be made in person at the Upper Room Mission, or sent by mail to 3403-27Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 1S2. Click here to make a donation online, or call Anderson directly at 250-549-1231, extension 29.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.