PENTICTON, B.C. – For hundreds of families in the South Okanagan it can be hard to pay for groceries and even more challenging to afford a big holiday dinner. However, it isn’t just those in need who are feeling the pinch, the Salvation Army is also noticing the high cost of groceries.
The Salvation Army in Penticton spent just under $35,000 buying food this year and even though there are fewer hampers being handed out, the grocery bill is bigger.
“Its up from last year because of the price of meat. With the ham and turkey, there is a big jump there so it really cost us,” says Joey Cyr with the Penticton Salvation Army.
Cyr says each package of ham is two dollars more expensive and turkey prices went up by more than 50 cents per pound. The Salvation Army is relying heavily on donations to fuel its services.
“It seems like the closer we get to Christmas people seem to get into the mood of giving so I know that they will come through for us once again,” says Cyr.
The Penticton Salvation Army says it needs another $40,000 to reach its fundraising goal. That money will help support its services until next summer.
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