Image: • Food Bank staff and volunteers. / Supplied

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Holiday food drive

Amid rising demand, Abbotsford’s Archway Food Bank faces $1.2 million shortfall

Nov 25, 2024 | 12:50 PM

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — The Archway Food Bank is urgently appealing to the community to help raise $1.2 million by year’s end as it struggles to meet the growing demand for food assistance. The organization currently supports over 5,000 individuals each month, a sharp increase from 3,500 in 2022.

“The holiday season is when we receive the majority of our donations,” said Rebecca Thuro, Archway Food Security Manager. “If we don’t meet our goal, we’re going to have to look at reducing the amount of food we can provide or the amount of people we can help.”

Relying on financial donations, grants, donated goods, and recovered food from grocery stores, the food bank also regularly purchases pallets of food to address shortages.

“Despite stretching our resources as much as possible by buying essentials in bulk and with our dedicated volunteers, we’re still facing a shortfall,” said Thuro. “We are often people’s last resort and can’t imagine turning anyone away.”

The situation is further compounded by the ongoing Canada Post strike, which has delayed a crucial holiday mailout that traditionally generates significant holiday donations.

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“The timing couldn’t be worse,” said Cindy Walker, Archway Philanthropy Manager. “We can’t reach as many people and although we accept donations online, in person or by phone, the majority of our funds usually come through the mail.”

Archway also runs the Christmas Bureau program, providing traditional holiday meals and toys for children, helping families to participate in celebrations despite financial hardships.

Across Canada, food banks are experiencing unprecedented demand, with over 2 million visits recorded in March 2024, according to Food Banks Canada. The growth in usage represents a 90 per cent increase since 2019.

In a news release, Archway Food Bank reports 38 per cent of those accessing food are children, 10 per cent are seniors and 12 per cent have a disability.

“Seniors on fixed incomes, working parents, newcomers and those with disabilities can’t keep up with the rising costs of groceries and housing,” said Thuro. “We need better support systems for people but in the meantime, we’ll be here doing what we can to fill in the gaps.”

To donate, visit AbbotsfordFoodBank.com/Donate. Organizations can contact donate@archway.ca to coordinate fundraisers or food drives.