Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Shelburne Food Bank is facing one of its most difficult periods of the year, as demand for assistance continues to climb while donations slow during the summer months.

As a result, the food bank is buckling under a strain of costs exacerbated by a drop in donations seen in other seasons.

Ardith Dunlop, Shelburne Food Bank coordinator, said that the situation is extremely difficult.

“I don't know how to say it other than we're bleeding money,” she said. “It just feels like we're having to buy so much in order to get the hampers made, and it's just costing so much. Our shelves are depleted, and so we're buying more. We're at the point where we're going to have to contemplate further cuts if we go much further in this direction.” 

“We are really hurting,” Dunlop added.

She said the food bank is currently serving more than 400 active clients, in addition to 75 to 85 seniors through its monthly Seniors Market program.

New clients continue to register regularly as the rising cost of living and food prices place increasing pressure on household budgets. More precarious employment and reduced social support are also factors contributing to the growing need.

While community support has continued through initiatives such as Pickin' in the Park, donations from the Shelburne Legion's Monday Night Bingo, and fresh produce from local gardens, the food bank says expenses continue to outpace incoming donations. As shelves become depleted, the organization has been forced to purchase more food and may eventually have to reduce the size of the food hampers given to clients if the current trend continues.

Dunlop said the food bank is accepting all forms of donations, with monetary donations most sought after because they can have the biggest impact.

“Money is always king because you know we can shop at a different level, and we do have to bring in like 400 items of everything almost every month in order to pack the hampers. We'll also take anything that's canned, so peanut butter, canned fruit, soups, canned pasta. We'll also take breakfast cereal, pancake mix and syrup, condiments, mayo, ketchup. We're really open to anything, but those are probably our major ones.”

Volunteer numbers are currently stable, although the food bank continues to welcome new names for future opportunities.

Dunlop said that August also marks Summer Hunger Awareness Month, a campaign aimed at reminding communities that food banks often experience lower donations at the same time that more families require support.

“August is Summer Hunger Awareness Month, all the food banks are sort of focusing on this month, bringing it back to the community's awareness because it is a documented fact that donations are lower in the summer months, and usage is usually higher,” Dunlop said.

“Kids aren't able to access the school food programs, so parents are missing breakfast clubs and lunch programs that are available at the schools, so they're faced with higher costs during the summer as well, just to put food on the table. It's a bit of a difficult time all around.”

Despite the struggle for resources and money, the food bank is still encouraging anyone who may need assistance not to hesitate to reach out.

Dunlop said that the first visit can be the hardest, but anyone who walks through the doors will be guided through the process and receive support without judgment. The food bank also stresses that financial hardship is not always visible, urging residents not to make assumptions about those seeking assistance.

Despite navigating increased usage and a seasonal decrease in donations, the Shelburne Food Bank is staying true to its mission, offering meals to those in need, no matter the demand. But what's unavoidable is that it's the food bank that's now in need.

The Shelburne Food Bank can be contacted via email at shelburnefoodbank@gmail.com or phone at 519-925-2600.

To make an online donation or learn more about the food bank, visit: shelburnefoodbank.ca