The Okotoks Food Bank has had a smooth transition into spring.

This is thanks to the generosity of the community shown to the food bank over Christmas and extending into this year.

Sheila Hughes, executive director of the Okotoks Food Bank, says this has allowed them to keep up with the increase of users.

"So far this year in 2017 we're seeing an increase in use of about 6%, I think April we'll see between 15-18%, so we're still seeing some increases. In March we had 24 new families so the economy is still hitting our area pretty hard."

The food bank has been able to keep up the high demand it's been experiencing thanks to support from residents. According to Hughes they've just started emptying crates that were filled with donations from the holiday season.

She says the food bank is going through their more common items more frequently.

"Right now we could really use small cans of soup. I'm probably about a week away from having to go buy a palette of soup... we were really well supported at Christmas so we're able to do that. We're probably going through one of those basic items faster this year than last year so we really are seeing a difference."

For a list of other items the Okotoks Food Bank is needing in donations click here.

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