The need is significant.
Over the past 12 months, 239 Summerland households, representing 557 people, used the Summerland Food Bank at least once.
This works out to around one in 20 people in the community.
These statistics show there is a need for this service in Summerland.
More than half of food bank users in Summerland will require the service fewer than four times a year, although there are some who depend on the food bank every month.
Since the Summerland Food Bank was created 30 years ago, the community has given generously to help those in need.
Once again this year, students from Summerland Middle School and Summerland Middle School collected non-perishable food donations during Halloween.
A community-wide donation initiative is taking place throughout November and, as the December holiday season approaches, there are plenty of calls for food bank donations.
At the same time, the demand for the food bank’s service rises in December each year.
Organizers estimate 120 to 130 seasonal hampers will be distributed.
The level of support shown by the community is is encouraging and inspiring, but it is also disappointing that there is a need for this service.
For any number of reasons, there are some in this community who are struggling to meet their day-to-day needs.
The donations to the food bank are important and must continue.
It is equally important to examine the reasons behind this need and to look at long-term solutions.