The need is great, and it’s growing.
The food bank, operated by Princeton Baptist Church, is busier than it’s ever been, according to manager Scott Musgrove.
“Demand is up considerably over previous years. I would say we are seeing clients that we’ve never seen before. We are seeing things like seniors that just can’t make ends meet, or households that have kids and just can’t keep up with the demand,” he said.
Higher interest rates, the cost of housing, and inflation are all impacting people’s abilities to put meals on the table.
“People can’t afford what they used to be able to afford,” said Musgrove.
The food bank, located on First Street and across from the fire hall, is open three days a week.
It is set up grocery-store style, so that clients can choose from canned and packaged goods, produce, and meats.
The average client receives approximately $300 worth of food, once a month.
Musgrove dates the increasing demand for help to the November 2021 flood.
“It’s been a steady climb. We had 40 or 50 visits per month, pre-flood. Now we have 150 to 200 visits per month.”
The food bank is successful largely because of Save-On-Foods, which donates regularly to the organization.
“They are amazing. I can’t say enough about Save-On for their support of what we are doing.”
While the church accepts and is grateful for all donations of food stuffs, the best way Princeton residents can help is by donating money, which can be leveraged against discounted purchases, said Musgrove.
“Cash is king.”
He said he strives for a community that doesn’t need a food bank.
“Right now things are going in the wrong direction.”
Anyone wishing to donate dollars to the food bank can e-transfer funds to foodbankgive@princetonbaptist.ca
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