Kelowna

The Kelowna Community Food Bank is critically low on food.

Photo: Contributed

The barren shelves mean families are at a greater risk of going hungry this fall.

"Unfortunately food donations have not kept pace with rising demand," says Food Bank Operations Manager, Rob Weller.

"We are either completely out of, or critically low on, seven normal hamper items. We are substituting staples with other items, but substitutes are not always as nutritious or healthy."

The food bank is in need of dry and canned soup, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, side dishes, toilet paper and Boost meal replacement.

Weller says the second annual BC Thanksgiving Food Drive this Saturday would be a great way for people to help.

"We need the community to help us fill our empty shelves."

Food drive organizers have been delivering donation bags to residents this week.

Weller says those who receive a bag, and wish to donate, should fill it with non-perishable food items and leave it on their front step before 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 15.

The bags will be picked up that day and delivered to the Kelowna Food Bank.

The food bank is open for donations Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1265 Ellis Street.

Monetary donations may be made securely online or by calling 250-763-7161.

In August, the Kelowna Food Bank served 1,145 hampers and 2,344 individuals. That's up more than 10 per cent from a year ago.