Chatham-Kent’s food bank is anticipating even greater demand for its services during this year’s holiday season.
Chatham Outreach for Hunger Executive Director Brenda LeClair said there is typically a decline in food donations between the Thanksgiving long weekend and the Christmas holidays
“People always think about the [Thanksgiving] holiday season as the giving season, and then things tend to drop off quite a bit,” said LeClair. “With the number of people we’re seeing coming in and more food trying to go out, we really need to keep that momentum building.”
On average, LeClair said between 70 to 75 families are currently accessing the services at Outreach for Hunger each day. She said there has also been an increase in the number of non-sheltered individuals utilizing the food bank.
“We’re starting to see a lot of people who, perhaps, haven’t had to use us for three or four years, but are coming back because the cost of food, the cost of utilities, high rent, all of those kinds of things,” said LeClair. “The needs are growing and people really count on the food banks to get them over those humps.”
Between now and the Christmas holidays, LeClair said she is predicting that the number of people visiting the food bank will increase another 25 per cent.
Outreach for Hunger is counting on several events and initiatives over the next few months to help keep the shelves stocked for those who need it most.
LeClair said several service groups will be holding food drives to support the food bank throughout the month of October. The Real Canadian Superstore in Chatham will also be holding a food drive in early November.
As well, the event Bowling for Bucks will be held on October 29 to help raise funds for multiple organizations, including Chatham Outreach for Hunger.
For those unable to participate in one of the food drives, LeClair said donations can be made directly to Outreach for Hunger at 10 Wellington St. W. or residents can call the food bank to arrange to have their donations picked up.
“There is no donation that is too small. We hear it all the time. Somebody comes in with one can or two cans and says ‘I wish it could be more,'” said LeClair. “People need to understand that if everybody in town gave one can, that would do so much good for so many.”
