The Salvation Army food bank in Williams Lake is asking for help.
Shelves normally filled with cans of protein will be depleted by the end of this week, said food bank co-ordinator Sabrina Silvey.
“We usually run out by July and appeal to the community in the summer, but we need help now to fill the shelves with protein.”
As she pointed toward an almost empty shelf she said the food bank desperately needs peanut butter, canned beans, fish and meats.
Williams Lake is always generous, however, this year’s Christmas campaign didn’t bring in as much as normal.
Compounding the problem is the reality that more people are in need compared to this time last year.
Right now 400 people are receiving monthly hampers, which is up by 30 people, Silvey said.
Some people receive hampers weekly.
Other people are only eligible for two hampers a year.
And Silvey said it’s harder to qualify for hampers now food. The criteria has changed due to the fact the food bank is running out of food.
“We serve the most desperate first and see what’s left over and we do make them provide a lot of information, like proof of income and bills.”
A typical family of four receives a box of cereal, bag of rice, two cans of fruit and two cans of vegetables, one can of meat, two cans of beans, four cans of soup, a pack of split peas, crackers, cookies and granola bars.
Every day Save-On-Foods donates produce and from those items, the food bank also puts together produce for the hampers.
Safeway donates baked goods and Walmart also donates.
The soup kitchen is serving breakfast and lunch to more than 100 Monday to Friday and is open to everybody.