The number of families receiving help from Steinbach's food bank has increased significantly.
According to the latest figures, 450 families receive food parcels every two weeks from Southeast Helping Hands (SEHH) in Steinbach, and that number is growing: by August 2023, the number is expected to increase from 350 to 400.
Hank Classen said even though there are plenty of jobs in the area, the pay is often not enough to lift people out of poverty.
“So in some cases it's better to receive EI (employment insurance) than to actually work,” he says.
Ken Dyke agrees that this is a problem.
“This is a problem that the government has to solve, we can't solve it,” he added.
Dick said a number of different reasons and challenges are converging to create additional hardship for families.
“There's a lot of variables,” he said. “Gas prices are going up, grocery prices are going up, interest rates are going up, and all of a sudden you're taking out a mortgage … it's a scary situation.”
“Transportation is already so bad. You can't get around. So even if you find a job, you can't get there,” Classen added.
Families are expected to receive food parcels this week, but the food bank doesn't have enough cereal to distribute.
Dick is calling on the public to help provide meals to people struggling to put food on the table. In addition to cereal, the food bank needs more donations of pork and beans, tomato soup, pasta, mixed vegetables, cake mixes and more.
He says it's important to remember that everyone is entitled to a treat like cake, especially on their birthday.
Donations can be dropped off at South East Helping Hands at 525 Main St. or food donations can be taken to bins located at various businesses across the city. Donations can also be made through their website.
South East Helping Hands moved into this building in 2009. The expansion will provide additional storage space and make it easier for volunteers to access food and replenish food assortments.
To accommodate increased demand, the building is being expanded: The 70-by-25-foot addition will be used as storage, which Classen said will allow easier access to groceries and reduce trips.
Meanwhile, Dyck said SEHH is working with the La Broquerie group to help them set up and run their own food bank, which has received charity status and is currently looking for a suitable premises.
Dick said La Broquerie will take over about 50 homes from SEHH once the facility is up and running.
