Food Bank Demand Up 87% Since 2008 - March snapshot shows almost 1100 users

Betty Selin 105.7 SUNFM11/3/2011

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During the annual survey of food banks across the country in March, 1100 people relied on the Salvation Army Food Bank in Vernon.  Spokesperson David MacBain admits with the national average at 26 per cent,  Vernon's increase of 87 per cent since 2008 is a big number.  He says it means 500 more people relied on the local food bank in March.  Year to date he says it's stabilized at 40 per cent. He says there's no easy explanation, but there have been some business closures.  He does think things are starting to turn around.  MacBain says donations have kept pace to ensure people don't go hungry in our community.