The Executive Director of the Kamloops Food Bank isn’t sure how much of the $3-million announced for food banks by the B.C. government will come to Kamloops.
Bernadette Siracky says she is hoping for at least $32,000 – if the money is split evenly among the 100 food banks in B.C.
“We are noting an increase in people requiring our services especially because of the fact that many people are getting laid off, and not working, not sure what the income is going to be,” she said. “We’re anticipating actually a real spike in numbers over the next several months.”
She says if the money is divided based on need, then as one of the larger food banks in B.C., Kamloops might get a larger share of the pie, noting the money will help because of increased costs.
“Usually in an emergency, we surround ourselves with volunteers and what makes this crisis so unique is we can’t invite new people in,” Siracky said. “We must be incredibly diligent to follow every directive from the government [to prevent the spread of the virus] so that we can maintain a safe supply of food. So we can’t have volunteers come in.”
And Siracky says she is grateful that food banks have been deemed an essential service, adding it means they will still be able to still help people in need, even if the province shuts down non-essential businesses.
“This grant will make a tremendous impact in communities all over B.C. and ensure that food banks can keep their doors open and continue to meet the needs of the vulnerable, who particularly need their assistance at this time,” said Laura Lansink, Executive Director of Food Banks BC, which will determine when the money will be distributed as well.
According to the province, the $3-million grant uses funding from the Community Gaming Grant’s 2019/20 budget of $140 million after all 2019 community gaming grants were handed out.
“Using funds from the gaming grants program is an example of how government and non-profit partners are working together to respond to the evolving nature of the pandemic, easing the burden on B.C.’s food banks and helping people who are feeling the strain of the COVID-19 crisis,” added Mable Elmore, the Parliamentary Secretary for Poverty Reduction.
Siracky says anyone who wants to donate to the Kamloops Food Bank can do so at 171 Wilson Street, or donate online.
