Kelowna, British Columbia – As the holiday season approaches, the Central Okanagan Food Bank is bracing for an unprecedented surge in demand that outpaces its resources, officials say. The nonprofit organization, which serves vulnerable residents in Kelowna and West Kelowna, reported a 19 percent increase in clients compared to the same period last year, driven largely by rising costs of living and food prices.
“We are preparing for holiday hampers,” said Trina Speiser, the food bank’s development director, highlighting the urgency as staff gear up for their annual Holiday Hamper Campaign launched on Thursday. The campaign aims to support more than 4,500 households in the region, providing essential food items during the festive period. Executive Director Trevor Moss described the uptick as “huge,” noting that the organization is struggling to keep up with the growing needs of its community.
The demand is particularly acute among families with children, who make up 44 percent of the food bank’s clients – nearly double the national average of 23 percent, according to Speiser. This demographic shift underscores the broader challenges facing low-income households in the Central Okanagan, where economic pressures have intensified in recent years. Moss attributed the increase directly to inflation and higher grocery bills, stating, “Demand is real, it’s there. It’s driven by the cost of living and the cost of food. We feel like a bit of a broken record, but that is the reality of where we are.”
Launched amid these challenges, the Holiday Hamper Campaign comes at a time when donations have reportedly declined, adding further strain to operations. The food bank, which relies heavily on community contributions to sustain its services, has not yet had to reduce support levels in the past three or four years, but Moss warned that the building pressure could force cutbacks if giving does not rise to meet the need. “What we’re hoping for this holiday season is that donations meet the need so that we don’t have to pull back on what we’re offering,” he said.
To encourage participation, food bank leaders emphasized the impact of even modest donations. Moss explained that every dollar contributed stretches further through bulk purchasing deals, such as a recent acquisition on turkeys. “We want to remind people that when they give one dollar, that actually buys three dollars’ worth of food,” he noted. For instance, a $25 donation could secure two or three turkeys, helping to fill hampers for families in need.
The situation in the Central Okanagan mirrors a national trend of escalating food insecurity. A recent hunger report indicated that food bank usage across Canada has climbed 32 percent since 2019, while donations have simultaneously dropped. This discrepancy has left many organizations, like the Central Okanagan Food Bank, in a precarious position as they navigate the holiday rush.
Beyond the Okanagan, similar strains are evident elsewhere in British Columbia. The Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank near Victoria has begun turning away clients due to insufficient supplies, according to reports. Officials there cited the same factors – inflation and reduced giving – as primary culprits, illustrating how regional food banks are grappling with interconnected economic woes.
In the Central Okanagan, the food bank’s client base has evolved significantly. What was once primarily a service for seniors and single adults has shifted toward supporting younger families, particularly those with children under 15. Speiser pointed out that this 44 percent figure for child clients far exceeds the national benchmark, signaling deeper systemic issues in child poverty and family support networks.
Historical context reveals that the food bank has weathered previous economic downturns, but the post-pandemic recovery has introduced unique hurdles. The organization, established decades ago to address local hunger, now operates distribution centers in both Kelowna and West Kelowna, serving a population that spans urban and suburban areas. Last year’s holiday campaign successfully aided thousands, but this year’s 19 percent demand spike – calculated from October comparisons – has prompted an all-hands-on-deck approach.
Moss, who has led the food bank for several years, expressed cautious optimism about community response. He recounted past holiday seasons where generous donations allowed the organization to maintain full services, avoiding the rationing seen in other regions. “We’ve been fortunate we haven’t had to do that over the last three or four years, but the pressure keeps building,” Moss said, urging residents to consider the ripple effects of their contributions.
Local leaders and volunteers are mobilizing to spread awareness. The Thursday launch of the Holiday Hamper Campaign included calls for monetary donations, non-perishables, and volunteer hours. Speiser, in her role overseeing development, stressed the campaign’s goal of not just meeting immediate needs but also fostering long-term community resilience against food insecurity.
Economists and social service experts have linked the surge to broader inflationary trends in Canada, where food prices rose by double digits in recent years. In the Okanagan Valley, known for its agricultural output, the irony is not lost that local residents still face barriers to affording basics. The food bank partners with regional farms and retailers for deals, like the turkey procurement, to maximize efficiency.
As the campaign gains momentum, food bank staff are monitoring intake closely. Early indicators suggest the demand could exceed projections if economic conditions persist. Moss called on the community to act swiftly, noting that holiday giving traditionally peaks in December but preemptive support could prevent shortages.
Looking ahead, the Central Okanagan Food Bank plans to expand outreach efforts post-holidays, potentially including advocacy for policy changes to address root causes like housing costs and wage stagnation. For now, the focus remains on the immediate: ensuring no family goes without during the season of giving. With the campaign underway, officials hope the spirit of the holidays will translate into tangible aid for those who need it most.
The broader implications extend beyond British Columbia, highlighting a national conversation on poverty and support systems. As food banks nationwide report similar strains, collaborations between organizations could emerge to share resources and best practices. In Kelowna, the message is clear: collective action can bridge the gap between demand and supply.