The Salvation Army Food Bank is continuing to feel the pinch of the slow down of the economy as demand has risen over the summer.
What is troubling according to Sheils is the faces of the users are changing.
“What amplifies this concern is that the increase is primarily single mothers with children,” said Sheils.
He says there has been a drop of 50 per cent of single people using the food banks. He speculates it is because they have moved on, or have found employment. While this might sound like a positive, Sheils explains that often single people are more mobile and it is easier for them to move and find work than for a family.
He adds the average size of families now need of help is three.
“Apparently the effects of the recession are still rippling through our community,” he said.
Some key items they are running low on include cereal, pasta sauce, baked beans, Hamburger Helper, tuna canned vegetables and Mr. Noodle.
Farm Credit Canada is putting together a food drive at the Drumheller Co-op on October 1, which may help alleviate some of the need.
Since January, 242 households, with 481 people, have been helped by The Salvation Army Family Services. Of them, 139 are children and 112 are new clients.
