‘As bad as it gets’: Red Deer Food Bank shares images of barren shelves

“We currently have less than a weeks’ supply of readily available food. We have seven pallets, of which we usually go through one-and-a-half of each day. We’ve depleted our financial resources. There are no reserves, and no ability to do a bunch of spending,” Thompson laments.

“The last thing we want to talk about is having rotating blackout days where we take a day off and have to turn people away, but we really are in a position where there’s just not enough resources to keep up with demand in this city and region. We’re in a real tough space.”

As far as turning people away, Thomson says they’ve fortunately been able to keep up, but just by the skin of their teeth, and there is still a large amount of people coming to their door.

Thomson says the central Alberta community is very giving and has come through before in times of need, and right now is one of those times where it’s needed.

The Red Deer Rebels are encouraging the community to bring food donations to their Black vs. White game tonight (Sept. 3) at the Centrium. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

Then there’s a large car show fundraiser called ‘Carnivore’ happening Sept. 7 in support of the Red Deer Food Bank, put on by Scotia Wealth Management.

But there still remains the sad fact that the need for food banks is this high in the first place, with Thomson noting inflation has played a big role.

Recent data, Thomson shared, suggests nearly half of Canadians are struggling to make their household bills on a month-to-month basis, with costs of not just food, but rent and utilities going sky-high, creating a scenario where food banks are busier.

He points out that higher demand naturally means less people are able to give, causing the kind of perfect storm the organization now finds itself in.

“Yeah, it’s a horrible place in time when you you look across our nation and 25 per cent of people are considered food insecure from coast to coast. Even in a place like Alberta where we’ve had an economy that was generally stronger in the last few years, Alberta has led the country in food insecurity,” says Thomson.

“Perhaps some of the wages that people are being paid have have fallen behind, but more so, what we’re seeing is there’s just a big difference between those who can and those who cannot afford food. For a lot of people, they’re just stretched really tight and looking to save money in order to keep a roof over their head.”

Thomson notes the Red Deer Food Bank has received grants, including one in recent years for $100,000, but they’re also spending $15,000 every couple weeks to buy milk, margarine, eggs, ground beef and chicken.

“Grants haven’t been enough. It’s been the average citizen that’s kept our doors open,” he says.

If you want to make a contribution today, both food items and monetary donations are accepted, with money allowing the food bank to purchase things strategically.

The Red Deer Food Bank is located at 7429 49 Avenue in Red Deer.

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by Josh Hall | @Vancan19

‘As bad as it gets’: Red Deer Food Bank shares images of barren shelves

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