With a sudden surge in the number of people turning to the London Food Bank for help, Londoners have stepped up in a big way to keep the agency's shelves stocked.
The equivalent of more than 160,000 pounds of food has been donated through the food bank's annual spring food drive over the past ten days. That is more than double the amount of food that was brought in during last year's drive.
"It is pretty amazing. Last year the total was just under 60,000 pounds of food," said Jane Roy, co-executive director of the London Food Bank. "We knew Londoners would step up, but it has been incredibly emotional to see how much they have stepped up and it has been great."
The COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic slowdown led to a sharp increase in demand for the food bank’s services through March and into early April. First-time visits by individuals and families have risen dramatically, up more than 80 per cent during the last two weeks of March, according to Roy.
"Last week overall the percentage of new folks visiting the food bank was up another 25 per cent. But we had one day in particular where over a third of the folks who came for help had never been in the food bank before," said Roy. "It is really difficult for a lot of folks who have been laid off... We expect our numbers to rise if this goes on. But we are here for people who need us and whatever happens we are going to do everything within our power to stay open and give them a hand."
The food bank has seen a monthly average of 3,389 families relying on its services since the start of the year. That is a 2.9 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Monday is the final day of the 33rd annual spring food drive. However, unlike in past years, this year's drive has been a virtual one with people being asked to make financial donations online, instead of giving non-perishable food items. The change was in accordance with public safety measures aimed at limiting contact with others in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The food bank will use the money to purchase milk, eggs, meat, fresh produce, as well as canned and dry goods. Approximately 60 per cent of all donations to the drive will be divided up among 25 other social agencies and programs in the city supported by the food bank, including Meals on Wheels which has also seen an increase in demand.
To donate online visit www.londonfoodbank.ca. Financial donations can also be made by phone at 519-659-4045.
