Mission busier than ever

With the rising cost of groceries, skyrocketing rent and lack of employment in the Vernon area, it's shaping up to be the busiest year on record at the Upper Room Mission.

On average, the mission is serving up to 50 meals a day more than they were last year, and officials are bracing for even more people needing a hand as warm weather draws transients to the Okanagan.

Lisa Anderson, URM fundraising director, said the mission is on pace to serve around 12,000 more meals this year than in 2015.

And just as people are needing some assistance from the mission because of the financial crunch, the mission itself is being impacted by the slow economy.

Donations are down and demand is up said Anderson, adding the mission must purchase needed food items. Although they get food at cost, the price has still increased from a year ago.

Along with serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, the mission also runs the Healthy Snacks Program, which feeds school children in the region.

While food donations are gratefully accepted at the mission, Anderson said monetary donations can have a bigger impact as the mission can purchase exactly what is needed.

Donations can be made online, through the mail or in person at 3403 27 Ave.

Photo: Darren Handschuh