Yellowknife’s Food Bank Struggles to Meet High Demand

The Salvation Army food bank in Yellowknife, N.W.T., is currently experiencing high demand and a lack of donations. This situation is making it tough for the food bank to keep up, as the donations they receive are sometimes not enough to match the current rate of clients.

“Donations are down, and I think that has a lot to do with a variety of factors. While we are still appreciative of those who can donate, we recognize that there are some people that may have donated in the past, that are not able to do so now with the changes in inflation,” said Lt Jason Brinson, executive director of The Salvation Army in Yellowknife.

“We recognize that there are some people that may have donated in the past, that are not able to do so now with the changes in inflation.”

The rising inflation rate has hit the Northwest Territories on par with the national levels. According to a Consumer Price Index report released in January 2023, the territory has seen a 9.9 per cent increase in the average price of food.

Lt Brinson who has been stationed in Yellowknife for the past five years, says this is the worst food shortage the food bank has seen throughout his tenure.

Receiving fewer donations is forcing the food bank to buy more food. However, the high food prices are also affecting the food bank’s funds.

“When we purchase food, the funds don’t go as far because everything has gone up in price.”

Despite the tough times the food bank is experiencing in terms of food donations, Lt Brinson would like to point out that the community remains very generous. He also mentioned that anyone that would like to help reduce food insecurity can do so by buying a couple of extra items when shopping for groceries and donating them to a local food bank if they can. In addition, monetary donations go a long way to help Salvation Army food banks tailor to their specific needs in terms of food.

“When we purchase food, the funds don’t go as far because everything has gone up in price.”

The Yellowknife food bank also receives support from Food Banks Canada and other community partners.

“We really appreciate the community support, and we are hoping that we can encourage more people to assist us. We would be forever grateful,” Lt Brinson said.

By Juan Romero