Alberta food banks have been seeing an increase in demand in 2021 and the Okotoks Food Bank is no different.

Food Banks Canada's 2021 HungerCount Report shows a 30 per cent increase in the number of Albertans using food bank services in March 2021 compared to the same time in 2019.

Since the report was released in late October, multiple Alberta food banks have confirmed they're continuing to feel the pinch.

When it comes to the Okotoks Food Bank, executive director Pamela McLean says they've definitely had to rise to the occasion.

They saw an uptick in usage in late August, though McLean thought the usual back-to-school rush had just hit early.

After a few weeks, it became apparent that that uptick wasn't just a bump, and after seeing the HungerCount Report, McLean started running the numbers

"I looked at last year's stats and I pulled out the numbers for July, August, and September 2020, and I compared them to the same months this year, and there's a 75 per cent increase in usage. It kind of takes your breath away. It's confirmation that, yeah, we're not making this up, we really have been kind of flat-out busy since August."

Luckily, Okotokians have been stepping up to the plate.

McLean says the food bank has seen continued support from countless individuals, families, and local businesses.

Schools and local sports teams have been particularly generous.

"I can't tell you how many schools have continued on with the WE Scare Hunger program, whether or not we still have that organization in Canada, they still do it. Between OJ, Dr. Morris Gibson, St. Francis of Assisi, those are just three. We got about 2,500 pounds of food coming in from them. Then the Okotoks Oilers organization. At least once a week we receive food donations from the U15, the U16, the U13, the AAA, the AA. It's truly amazing how well-supported we are."

She also praised the support they've been receiving through federal and provincial grants for food.

 

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