Greater Vancouver Food Bank suffering from historically low supply of food

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank is putting out a call for help, saying its supply of food is the lowest it has been in more than 30 years.

The problem, they say, doesn’t stem from an increase in demand, but rather a lack of supply. They say people just aren’t giving as much as they have in the past.

The Food Bank hosted an emergency food drive last month. They hoped to collect 100,000 pounds of food, but ended up with just over 42,000 pounds.

Grocery chains like Loblaws have jumped in to organize emergency food drives but the food bank said more help is needed.

Global BC’s Thanks For Giving campaign 2016

Ariela Friedmann of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank said cash donations are the best way to give.

“If they donate to us, it’s a double win,” she said. “They’re going to get a tax receipt, we’re going to be able to take the dollars and buy the kind of food that is high, nutritious quality.

“For every dollar that’s donated to the food bank, we can convert it to nearly three times its value.”

Global BC will be hosting its annual Thanks for Giving campaign at four locations this Thursday. Funds raised will go to support food banks in B.C. Click here for more information on how to donate.

– With files from Linda Aylesworth