CNP Food Bank sees rising need as holidays approach

Coordinator says demand is up as families juggle food, rent and utilities

The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank is seeing more people at its doors as the cost of living continues to climb, with families, seniors and working residents all turning to hampers to help make ends meet.

Gabby Islas, the Coordinator at the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank started by explaining her role at the food bank, “I oversee daily operations, donor relations, and community partnerships, working alongside our board members and volunteers.”

Islas said demand has grown compared with this time last year and is part of a wider trend across the province. 

“Compared with this time last year, demand has increased. According with a report from Food Banks Canada, over the past five years, Alberta food banks experienced a 92.4 per cent increase in demand,” she said. “We are seeing more families and individuals accessing our services, and many are returning more frequently. Rising costs of food, fuel, and housing have made it harder for people to make ends meet, and the food bank has become a vital safety net.”

The face of food insecurity in the Pass is also changing.

“We are seeing a broader mix of clients, families with children, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals who may be working but still struggling with affordability,” Islas said. “The frequency of visits has also grown, and we are now seeing clients who had not accessed the food bank for many months or even years returning for support.”

Rising prices are a common thread in almost every story staff and volunteers hear.

“Cost of living is the biggest challenge,” said Islas. “Groceries, rent, and utilities have all gone up, and many clients are facing difficult choices between paying bills and buying food. Housing insecurity is also a growing concern, especially for families.”

Those pressures are felt on the donation side as well. While community support remains strong, inflation makes it harder for donors to give as much as they once did.

“We are grateful for the generosity of our community, but donations both food and financial are under pressure,” Islas said. “Rising costs affect everyone, so while support remains strong, we are working harder to stretch every dollar and every item.”

The food bank is currently focused on stocking up core pantry items that can anchor a hamper. Islas said staples such as pasta, rice, oats, canned vegetables, canned proteins, cereal, pasta sauce and peanut butter are always needed. Monetary support is equally important.

“Financial donations are also critical, as they allow us to purchase most nutritious items like fresh produce, milk, eggs and yogurt,” she said.

Keeping the shelves organized and the hampers moving out the door depends on a small army of helpers.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our operations,” Islas said. “They help with everything from sorting and stocking shelves, building hampers, assisting clients, cleaning, and supporting events. Right now, we especially need help with distribution days and event support.”

Accessing help is meant to be as straightforward and respectful as possible. Anyone living in the municipality who is struggling to put food on the table can reach out.

“Anyone living within the municipality of Crowsnest Pass who is in need can reach out directly by phone or email, or visit during our open hours,” Islas said. “The process is simple and confidential. Our client hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.”

The coming weeks will bring a series of community events that support the food bank’s work and highlight local generosity.

“We are excited to be part of the CPKC Holiday Train this year, it will make a stop in Coleman on December 14, which will feature a donation drive, live music and community celebration,” said Islas. “We are also grateful for our ongoing partnerships with Tim Horton’s, the Quad Squad and the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass whose support helps sustain our work and contributes to the success of this event.

Also, on December 5 the Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue will hold their annual Charity Check Stop, collecting donations and food items for the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank. 

“These events are wonderful examples of how our community comes together to support families in need,” said Islas.

For Islas, the message heading into winter is that food insecurity is real and growing in the Pass, but so is the community’s ability to help.

“What I’d like people to know is that food insecurity is a growing issue in the Crowsnest Pass, but our community’s generosity is powerful,” she said. “Every donation, volunteer hour, and act of kindness makes a real difference for families here.”