How following the recommended food guide is becoming more expensive for Kelowna families

How do you plan on spending Family Day this year? Perhaps it includes cooking and enjoying a meal together — a wonderful way to bond and learn about the importance of eating healthy food and enjoying meals as a family.

While it is a great way to spend time together, it’s not a realistic activity for all families. Probably even some families that you know, whether they are co-workers, neighbours, acquaintances or friends.

Food Banks Canada recently released HungerCount 2018, and the results show that we still have a long ways to go in the mission for a hunger-free country. Several demographics rely on food banks including seniors, working adults and people living with disabilities. Some of the most shocking statistics, however, pertain to families and children.

In Canada, 35.2% of those accessing food bank support in 2018 were children — an alarming number as children only represent 20% of the country’s population, and so are overrepresented in food banks. In British Columbia alone, food banks were visited by children 39,510 times last year. 19.1% of those accessing food bank support in Canada in 2018 were single-parent households.

Looking forward, it’s tough to say if these numbers will decrease in 2019. For the average healthy Canadian family, the annual cost of groceries is expected to increase by over $400 this year. Wages, however, have only increased by 1.9% since 2017.

Many factors have affected the cost of food recently, from inflation and government policy, to unpredictable weather patterns and the movement towards veganism.

The growing trend to eat less meat and dairy and more plant-based meals has been especially impactful, and is now supported by Canada’s new food guide. In 2019, vegetables are expected to see the most significant increase in price at 4-6%, and fruits are expected to increase by 1-3%. Meanwhile, the cost of meat and seafood is actually expected to decrease. This means that following the recommended food guide is becoming more expensive for families.

How will these changes affect Kelowna families who are already struggling to make ends meet, and our local food bank which is doing its best to fight hunger in our community? And, what can others do to help?

“Rising food prices affect the Food Bank a few ways,” said Tamie Williams, Communications Officer for the Central Okanagan Food Bank. “First, the slightest increase in food costs affects people who are already struggling or on a fixed income and so demand increases. Second, our dollar doesn’t stretch as far to buy the things we need at the Food Bank and so we are able to purchase less and lastly, donations to the Food Bank decrease because families need to spend more to feed their own families leaving less to donate.”

“The revamped Canada Food Guide recommends plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods and protein foods, with an emphasis on plant-based proteins,” added Williams. “And while this may be ideal, it may not be a reality for many of our clients; however, the Food Bank is doing what it can to provide more healthy, nutritious food.”

For many, food banks are associated with non-perishable foods. While these items are still essential, some are unaware that our local Food Bank also accepts perishable items and cash donations which helps them purchase the most needed items.

“In the past five years, the Central Okanagan Food Bank has doubled its collection and distribution of fresh, perishable foods including milk, eggs, dairy, produce and meats,” said Williams. “And we continue to improve. Last year, we were able to move into our new Kelowna Branch which has three times the cold storage capacity, our refrigerated vehicles are on the road seven days a week and we continue to improve our food rescue efforts in partnership with local growers, farmers and retail partners.”

"These efforts increase the quality and quantity of food that we are able to provide to our clients," added Williams. “The Central Okanagan Food Bank is able to accept a wide variety of donations, from perishable to non-perishable, fresh and frozen. For immediate impact, we encourage donors to visit us online at cofoodbank.com.”

Food Banks Canada has also made several policy recommendations to help resolve hunger and poverty in Canada, and reduce the need for food banks.

For every $1 donated, the Central Okanagan Food Bank is able to distribute $5 worth of food. Click here to donate.

The Central Okanagan Food Bank is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a healthy, hunger free community.

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