The Loaves and Fishes food bank based in Nanaimo has experienced a sharp rise in demand for their services, paralleled by a significant decrease in the availability of volunteers.
In the midst of unprecedented demand for their services, the food bank has fortunately managed to obtain a substantial quantity of food to cater to this necessity. A statement from Peter Sinclair, the food bank’s executive director, revealed these concerns.
A key challenge the food bank is currently grappling with is the immediate sorting of food upon its arrival. According to Sinclair, the perishable nature of the food requires it to be sorted rapidly, typically within a period of 24 to 48 hours.
However, the food bank is facing a crucial hurdle in this regard – a deficiency in volunteers to facilitate the sorting process. Sinclair stresses upon the value of each volunteer shift, each one ensuring an increased availability of food for those in need.
Loaves and Fishes, serving the community of Nanaimo and North Island, has been witnessing close to 10,000 visits per month, marking a surge of about 30 to 40 per cent above the usual traffic.
Those wishing to volunteer and support the operations of Loaves and Fishes are welcome to visit their official website for further details.
