The Estevan Salvation Army has seen another increase in demand for the services provided by the food bank during the first two months of the year.
Ronza Reynard, the manager of the family services division, said the ministry is in need of some canned products, including stews, corned beef and pastas, as well as coffee and related products, and condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.
Pancake mix and syrup, one-litre juices, Hamburger Helper, instant mashed potatoes, rice and soup crackers are other items needed at the food bank.
But the Salvation Army still has an abundance of some pastas and soups, she said.
People have been dropping by with donations of food and cash.
鈥淚t was nice and full at Christmas time, and we knew by the time the middle of March arrived 鈥� and into April, we would start to see that going down quickly, and it has, so it doesn鈥檛 surprise us,鈥� said Reynard.
The shelves are still in relatively good shape, since they were filled at the start of the year, but the Salvation Army is seeing some low quantities in some areas.
In the first six weeks of the year, the Salvation Army saw 199 clients at the food bank.
Reynard isn鈥檛 surprised the demand has been higher in 2018.
鈥淚 think people are still finding it tough,鈥� said Reynard. 鈥淪ome things might be picking up out there, the oil might be picking back up, but that鈥檚 still not helping the everyday folks who are working the jobs that aren鈥檛 oilfield.鈥�
The Salvation Army is seeing an increase in the number of clients on assistance or fixed incomes.
Some companies have held food drives early this year to support the food bank. Reynard noted the annual Canada Post food drive will be moving from the fall to June in an effort to replenish the shelves heading into the summer.
The Estevan Antique Auto Club made a donation last week.
The Salvation Army is also starting its community volunteer income tax program. People with low incomes, or seniors with fixed incomes, who need assistance with their taxes, can come to the Salvation Army鈥檚 building and book an appointment.
