More and more Parry Sound residents are relying on support from Harvest Share.
The local food bank, located at 93 James St., has seen usage increase dramatically over the last few months according to Executive Director Wendy Pegahmagabow.
“Numbers are definitely going up. They have been since October, and (they’ve risen) very dramatically now in the new year with the high cost of food and rent,” she said.
“It is really challenging for people. More and more are experiencing the struggle of food insecurity.”
In January, Harvest Share supplied 515 people with food, including 160 children. Of those, 32 were newcomers to the food bank.
The growing food insecurity has Pegahmagabow concerned.
“It’s working people. It’s people on disability. It touches all walks of life,” she said. “It’s our neighbours, really. It has become almost a crisis situation as far as having enough food to feed people.”
According to Pegahmagabow, the food bank needs of low-sugar cereal, peanut butter, goldfish crackers, canned tuna and salmon, juice boxes and granola bars.
Food and monetary donations can be dropped off to staff from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or after-hours in a drop-off box.
“I want to let the community know that we can’t do this without them,” she said. “It is much appreciated the support we receive, and it very much enables us to do the work that we do.”