Photo: Smiths Falls Community Food Bank (supplied)
Demand at the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank is no longer rising as quickly, but the organization says food insecurity remains at an alarming level.
Executive Director Natalia Sodoroff says client numbers appear to be levelling off. However, the slower growth does not mean conditions have returned to normal.
The people coming through the Smiths Falls food bank’s doors represent a broader range of circumstances. Rising grocery and housing costs are placing pressure on household budgets.
The organization continues working to remove barriers for people seeking assistance. It has connected with an identification clinic that can help residents who do not have the documents requested when registering.
The food bank relies on donations, grocery stores, community partners and volunteers to keep food moving to households across Smiths Falls.
Sodoroff says the recent plateau offers some relief after rapid growth, but it should not be mistaken for a recovery. The number of people requiring assistance remains much higher than it was before the pandemic.
Continued donations will be needed to ensure the organization can respond as household costs remain difficult for many residents.
Stable monthly support is valuable because demand and purchasing costs can change from one month to the next.
