'20 per cent increase': Interfaith Food Bank helps more than 900 households this holiday season

LETHBRIDGE -

The last food bundles are heading out the door ahead of Christmas Day, as the Interfaith Food Bank nears the threshold of helping 1,000 households this holiday season.

"We are seeing about a 20 per cent increase all year long," said Danielle McIntyre, executive director of the Interfaith Food Bank.

"It's what we expected, and we are so grateful that the community has made sure that everyone who comes for help is going to get the help that they need."

Of those households, the food bank assisted about 2,500 people.

In total, Interfaith handed out more than 11,000 hampers in 2024.

To meet the growing need, McIntyre says this Christmas is coming with a few challenges.

"It's difficult getting so many people through the lineup in the same number of hours," said McIntyre.

"Keeping it light, festive and fun when it's this busy has been a bit of a challenge, but at the same time, it's Christmas; this is what we do, and we are ready for it."

Throughout the year, McIntyre says there has been a shift in those accessing food banks not only in Lethbridge but across the country.

"We have a lot more newcomers, but we're also seeing a lot more people that we don't normally see at the food bank," she said.

"Those are people who are working, two-income households, homeowners, seniors on fixed incomes. Unfortunately, we're in a situation where you can't really paint a picture of what a food bank user looks like anymore."

The affordability crisis isn't only increasing those needing support; it has also caused a drop in donations.

McIntyre says those who used to donate regularly have stepped back, and people are watching their wallets even closer to ensure they have the money needed to afford the necessities.

The Canada Post workers strike didn't help the cause either, says McIntyre.

The strike impacted the mailout of their annual Christmas newsletter, where the majority of funding comes from to last into the new year.

As of Monday, 83 per cent of the $425,000 goal has been collected.

With the last quarter of 2024 used to plan for next year, McIntyre says there is a chance some programs may be altered.

"It may mean that a hamper doesn't have as many cans of soup in it, but we're able to offer more perishable items in our pick room," said McIntyre.

"We are going to be taking a good look at what goes into our hampers in 2025, No. 1 to meet the evolving needs of our community, but No. 2 to meet our budget and what we're able to afford."

While Interfaith is now closed for the Christmas break, McIntyre says the push for donations won't slow down in January.

"It is never too late to give, and we will definitely need your support in the new year," she said.

Interfaith is one of five organizations that make up the Christmas Hope campaign.

This year, Interfaith, the Lethbridge Food Bank, Lethbridge Family Services, Salvation Army, MyCityCare and Volunteer Lethbridge are planning to help 10,500 people with food and toy donations.