'It's disheartening': Merritt, B.C., food bank struggles to keep up with growing demand

It's a challenging time for the Nicola Valley Food Bank, according to general manager Derlanda Hewton.

Demand for services at the food bank in Merritt, B.C., continues to rise while donations haven't kept pace, she says.

Hewton says since November of last year, the food bank has served 751 unique households and 1,372 unique individuals, about 10 per cent of the Nicola Valley community. There were more than 17,000 overall visits during that time, an increase of about 10 per cent in just a year.

"It's disheartening," said Hewton, noting that food banks across the province face similar challenges.

"We've been trying so hard to meet the demands, and you almost feel defeated at times. And then something happens — we get a great donation —and then everything is OK, but it's always like we're just flying by the seat of our pants."

According to Food Banks B.C., record numbers of people have turned to food banks this year. For the first time, food banks in B.C. served over 100,000 different people in a month.

Over time, Hewton says she's seen a change in clientele — more newcomers to Canada, more people with disabilities and more seniors. 

"When we're taking in a new client as a senior, and they're crying in front of you because they never thought that they would have to depend on a food bank, and here they are, it's hard to keep it together ourselves and be supportive for them and tell them there's nothing shameful about coming to a food bank," she said.

Food Banks B.C. says about a quarter of food bank users are employed, but their income is not enough to cover essential expenses.

In November, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released a new report showing that the amount needed to realize a living wage is going up across B.C. In Whistler, it's as high as $28.09. As of June 1, the minimum wage across B.C. is $17.40 per hour. 

"The new way of getting by is to have to go to the food bank," economist David Williams told CBC News. "I think that's a real concern, but it also just reflects overall the economy struggling."

The food bank has struggled with inflation, with Hewton saying that they, like many consumers, scan grocery store flyers in search of deals to help stretch their cash donations even further. 

"Hopefully we get through it," she said.