November is the Pemberton Food Bank's (PFB) busiest time of the year, and with empty shelves at the end of the day, the PFB is launching a fundraiser to help provide essential nutrients to community members.
Funds for Foods aims to raise $35,000 by the end of November, allowing the food bank to purchase everything from meat and milk to fresh produce. Currently, the PFB has raised $15,000, of which $5,000 came from Blackcomb Helicopters, but they’re asking for help from throughout the Sea to Sky to reach the remaining goal.
Loralee Seitz is the coordinator for PFB, and said in an email some factors making it hard for people to make ends meet relate to the cost of shelter rising by nine per cent and food costs going up by three per cent. But in Pemberton, some food items have increased dramatically compared to nearby communities.
“What’s especially alarming is the stark difference in costs within such a short distance," Seitz said. "For example, essentials like milk, bread, and ground beef are dramatically more expensive in Pemberton than in nearby communities. Bread can cost up to 84 [per cent] more here than in Vancouver, while ground beef is 14 [per cent] more expensive in Pemberton than in Vancouver, and nine [per cent] higher than in Whistler.
“These price differences—within a 150-kilometre radius—are putting a real strain on families in our community, making it harder for them to access the nutritious food they need to thrive."
Since opening five years ago, the PFB has had 40,000 visits. This year they’ve already had 6,500 visits, a record number for the service.
As temperatures drop and residents must start paying for the cost of heating, Seitz said food budgets can shrink in response, spiking access to the PFB and leading to empty shelves.
Community members can donate online or by cheque to “Sea to Sky Community Services” with “2024 Food Bank Challenge” by mail at Box 949, Squamish, BC V8B 0A7, or in person at 1357 Aster Street, Pemberton.
Services are available Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1343 Aster Street. For access outside these hours, people can contact Seitz at [email protected].
For campaign questions, people can contact Susan Thompson at [email protected] or 604-892-5796 x 279.
