Prince Albert food assistance clients feeling impact of rising grocery costs
Local food assistance groups say clients are feeling the impacts of rising food prices.
Prince Abert Food Bank executive director Kim Scruby says many clients are asking for more in their hampers, saying the high costs of food have them buying less.
“Over the past year or so, I think we’ve seen a pretty significant inflation in food,” said Scruby.
He says the food bank has had to adjust its purchases accordingly to stay within budget.
Donations of vegetables and fruits from local gardeners are helping the food bank to keep up with demand.
Some clients grew food in the city’s community garden, run by the food bank, and that helped decrease some of the need.
“Some of the most significant inflation we’ve seen in food is in fresh produce and meat so this is something that we couldn’t afford to buy and if not for the community coming in and donating it,” said Scruby.
The need for food typically increases during holidays – and Scruby said this Thanksgiving is no exception.
The food bank is unable to give out turkeys.
However, donations from the public and grocery stores have helped put some Thanksgiving “trimmings” in food hampers.
Because of the pandemic the food bank has postponed their food drive and fundraisers.
The founder of Jessy’s Garden, Bonny Sanderson, says many people who use the garden this year have shared their concerns about food prices.
“People are angry with the prices,” said Sanderson.
She says since the start of the pandemic, she’s had many new families come to the garden. Over the last year, the number of patrons at the garden has also increased, and so has the distances people are willing to travel.
“People were coming from Saskatoon, we’ve had people from Melfort this year, Nipawin, Carrot River, you name it,” said Sanderson.
Bonny Sanderson runs Jessy’s Garden, which provides food in exchange for labour and donates garden vegetables to schools, non-profit organizations and people in need. (Lisa Risom/CTV News)
To help keep up with demand, Sanderson plans to expand the amount of garden planted.
If someone for whatever reason is unable to pay and is in need, Sanderson provides them with vegetables.
“If you can’t afford it, we will take care of you. That’s what Jessy’s garden is all about, is helping the community. Food security right now, it’s been crazy for years but it’s getting worse,” said Sanderson.
Jessy’s Garden was started in memory of Sanderson’s daughter.
The garden provides food in exchange for labour and donates garden vegetables to schools, non-profit organizations and people in need.
The garden also accepts donations for vegetables and sells all produce for one dollar a pound.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.