The Lethbridge Interfaith Food Bank is expecting an increase in clients for the holiday season. Operations manager Neil Heaton says he has seen a steady increase in clients in the past few months.
“From month to month we are looking at about a 30 per cent increase so at Christmas time we expect to see that same amount of increase,” he says. “We are always really grateful to the community, especially at Christmas, they really think about the food bank — so we are hoping for the same support we always receive and that will definitely help us get through the busy season.”
He adds he has seen an increase in clients who previously stopped using the foodbank, but return because of hard times. He is expecting to create about 1,000 Christmas hampers this season.
“Our Christmas hampers are very similar to our basic ones, but we do try and supply a Christmas meal so the turkey and stuffing and all the fixings that we want our families to have the special Christmas meal with.”
The Interfaith Food bank also partners with the Lethbridge Food Bank and other organizatons to ensure families get what they need for the holidays, including toys. Residents who want to help can through donations. The most needed items can be found on the Interfaith Food Bank website.