The Lacombe Community Food Bank has seen an increase in demand over the past few months.
General Manager Millie Snow said the food bank located along 53rd St. has seen a recent surge of usage.
“We have experienced an increased demand,” she said.
Snow added at first the staff at the food bank didn’t notice much of an increase, but over the last couple of months, it’s become highly evident.
“We’ve had a lot of new clients,” she said.
Those new clients accessing the food bank come from all walks of life, mostly families, but also younger men, which may be a result from the downturn of the economy, she said.
“Some of them are coming in for a one-time thing,” noted Snow. “Others are coming for a longer period of time until they are back on their feet.”
Some clients access the food bank daily, in order to collect fresh produce or items from the bakery.
For the month of December, clients can receive a Christmas style hamper that includes all the fixings for a turkey dinner, complete with cranberry sauce and a gift card. The food bank has already received a donation of turkeys to fill the Christmas hampers.
The food bank holds an annual food drive at the end of October, which brings in a lot of donations to last throughout the year. Schools, churches and other organizations are also very active in bringing in donations throughout the year. The CP Holiday Train also recently rolled through town and the food bank was able to collect many donations.
“The people of Lacombe are very generous,” said Snow. “Even with the way things are, and the demand has gone up, people are even more generous. They support us.”
For those looking to donate food items to the food bank, Snow said the organization is always in need of staples like tea and coffee, anything you may need around the house and food items for children’s lunches.
Another item the food bank could use during the holiday season is oranges.
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