Cupboards bare at food bank

There is more bad news this week for the Kelowna Community Food Bank.

Fresh on the heels of the news that a local Community Advisory Board excluded them from applying for Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding, comes news the inventory at the food bank is running low.

The Kelowna Food Bank reports a 20 per cent spike in demand over August, putting their non-staple food inventory at-risk.

Photo: Kelly Hayes - File photo

Kelowna Community Food Bank Executive Director Vonnie Lavers.

“We warehouse about a six week supply of food, comprised of fresh produce, proteins, and non-perishable staples,” says Vonnie Lavers, Executive Director. 

“Unfortunately, we did not meet our Christmas In July targets and with higher demand, critical hamper items such as beans, canned fruit, canned vegetables and peanut butter are either critically low in supply or simply not available. We have had to omit many of the nutritional hamper items and replace them with alternative items.”

The Food Bank urgently needs your help.  The warehouse is open for non-perishable food donations Monday to Friday 8a.m. -4p.m.

"Typically, donations slow during the spring and summer months and with the influx of seasonal workers and the sluggish economic recovery, demand for our services is up,” says Lavers.  “Add to this a back to school bump and our critical supplies are running low.”

There are many ways to donate:

• Online at: www.kelownafoodbank.com
• By phone: please call 250-763-7161, they accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express
• In person at our downtown office:1265 Ellis Street, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mail a cheque or money order to:

              Kelowna Community Food Bank

              1265 Ellis Street

               Kelowna, BC

               V1Y 1Z7

 The Kelowna Community Food Bank’s operations budget is not government funded.