During the first Food Bank Friday event, a one-day online fundraiser thanks to viewers, Global Okanagan was able to raise close to $12,000 for food banks throughout the valley.
With the help of 105 donors, food banks across the valley from Salmon Arm to Oliver are able to continue helping put nutritious meals on the tables of those who need a little extra help during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank in Kelowna saw a 27-per cent increase in clients accessing their services.
“As we move into June we have seen a 21-per cent increase,” said Trevor Moss, Central Okanagan Food Bank CEO.
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“In June we have served 2,000 individuals — 750 of those individuals have been children and 20 per cent of those individuals have been seniors.”
Because of the Central Okanagan Food Bank’s buying power of three to one, every dollar they spend is multiplied by three in stores.
The Salvation Army Food Banks in Vernon and Penticton are preparing for what they predict is a long road ahead and they think will be another spike in need for their services in fall.