Parker Street Food Bank says demand nearly doubled in 2014

One of Halifax's biggest food banks is busier than ever these days.

Stephanie MacWhirter, the director of development at Parker Street Food Bank, says demand has nearly doubled in the last year.

"In 2012 and 2013, we spent from our emergency fund close to $50,000 both years. And in 2014, last year, that number moved to $90,000," she said.

MacWhirter expects the need to rise in 2015. She says people typically apply for Parker Street Food Bank's emergency fund during the winter months.

"The majority of it goes to help with furnace oil to heat people's homes, and the vast majority is power bills," MacWhirter said. "But it's also things like bus fare and rent when someone's about to be evicted."

Parker Street says the number of food bank clients has also doubled since last year.

Making ends meet

Steven MacPhee makes a monthly trip to the food bank. He says it helps top up his grocery run so he can pay other bills.

"The little person can't afford to go in and pay $14 to $15 for just a family pack of hamburger," he said.

"If you do buy that, well then you have to come to places like this to get other things to make a hamburger sauce, the spaghetti sauce or chili or something like that, right?"

MacPhee makes the point that while falling gas prices help most people, it doesn't seem to be changing food prices.

Parker Street Food Bank only has 12 per cent of its emergency fund left. The non-profit organization is planning a campaign to raise enough money and food for the rest of the year.