The SHARE food bank in Port Moody is getting a little help so it can feed more struggling families in the Tri-Cities.
The community-based non-profit is receiving a $77,000 share of a $15-million grant the provincial government has set aside to help support local food banks.
SHARE CEO Claire MacLean said the money will help the organization continue to provide healthy and culturally appropriate food to local residents who need it.
"This includes seniors on fixed incomes, refugee families weighed down with expenses, single mother providing for their children and families who just can't earn enough to keep up with the cost of living," she said in a news release, adding the food bank serves more than 5,000 people every month.
Sheila Malcolmson, the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, said, "Global inflation has hit people hard and the rising cost of food is especially tough on vulnerable people."
Malcolmson visited the food bank at 2615 Clarke St. on Monday, Dec. 4, and spoke with some of its clients about their challenges at a round table in the kitchen.
"We all want to have the support and services they need to get healthy, nutritious food."
According to the Ministry, about 17 per cent of B.C. households experience food insecurity in 2021.
Rick Glumac, the MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam, said higher food prices and climate emergencies are exacting a toll as more people have to rely on food banks to make their meal ends meet.
SHARE's food bank is open for donations every week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Distribution occurs on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at three locations:
- at the rear of 2615 Clarke St., Port Moody
- Hillside Church, 1393 Austin Ave., Coquitlam
- Trinity United Church, 2211 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam
For more information, you can visit SHARE's food bank website.
