Demand at food bank on the rise in Kelowna due to COVID-19

As more residents are laid off due to COVID 19 and the closure of local businesses, the Central Okanagan Food Bank is seeing new demand.

‘We have been experiencing an influx of new clients, often time folks who never would have imagined they would need our help and we will continue to be here for all our neighbours in need to provide the most nutritional food as possible, as the city continues to deal with the current crisis,” Trevor Moss CEO of the Central Okanagan Food Bank said in a press release.

A new client registration system will be available online by Monday. People who have not been to the food bank in the past, but are in need of food assistance now, should call 250-763-7161 to book an appointment.

“As we enter a new month amid this pandemic with rent, mortgage and utility payments due, we are becoming increasingly concerned for those who feel the pressures of having to decide between purchasing food and paying their bills,”  Tammie Watson Chief Development Officer of the Central Okanagan Food Bank said. “Our message to everyone in this predicament is to please pay your bills and let us help you with your food.”

The Central Okanagan Food Bank provides monthly food hampers to Kelowna and West Kelowna residents in need, including fresh produce, meat, dairy and bread, as well as non-perishable pantry staples as available.

It assists over 4,000 individuals every month, 33 per cent of which are children under the age of 15, and another 12 per cent are seniors living on a fixed income. Financial donations are appreciated.
 

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