Demand grows for food banks and hampers in Whitehorse, Watson Lake

More and more Yukoners are relying onfood banks and hamper programsto help feed their families, according to local organizations in Whitehorse and Watson Lake.

"Our demand is growing, we're serving a lot more families now," said SherriBoterill, one of the directorsat the Watson Lake St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen. "There's a lot more need for hampers for families."

Boterill says her organization used to help around15 to 20 families, but now it's closer to30.

"Maybe because the Cantung mine is shut down, and there's not a lot of work right now," Boterillsaid.

In Whitehorse, food bank use has also been steadily rising in recent years. A survey in March of this year counted 640 families using the Whitehorse food bank, up 10 per cent from March 2014.

"For the last couple years, that's pretty standard," said Stu Mackey, referring to the steady rise in usage.

Making the 'rent/food thing' work

Recent statistics onWhitehorse food bank clients paint a picture of many working familiesstruggling to make ends meet.Nearly half of all clientslive in private rental units, and 11 per cent are employed. Athird of food bank users are children under the age of 18.

"The highest pressure,I think, on our familiesare people who are trying to make the rent/food thing work every month. I think that's been quite a difficult challengefor many families and people," Mackey said.

The Whitehorse food bank has seen a significant drop in corporate donations from mining companies and other major industries, Mackey said.

"These were substantial donations, and of course that area is not as robust as it used to be," hesaid.

The food bank is looking for ways to increase its corporate fundraising. It's also encouraging individuals to consider giving to the food bank on a monthly basis through its "Green Apple Club,"which takes a set amount from a donor's bank account or charges it to a credit card.

Food bank donations typically go up at this time of year, butMackeysaid the challenge is being able to meet the needs of clientsyear round.

"Hunger's pretty constant throughout the year," hesaid.