Paris Food Bank expands hours as demand surges and more working families seek support

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Household use up 25 per cent over last year as rising living costs force more residents to turn to the food bank for help

The Paris Food Bank is expanding its hours to meet a growing demand for food assistance, as more local families, including those with working adults, struggle to make ends meet. The Salvation Army, which operates the Paris Food Bank, will introduce evening hours beginning Oct. 19, allowing residents who work during the day to access food assistance without having to take time off.

The change comes as the food bank reports a 25 per cent increase in households accessing its services compared to the same time last year, with demand climbing another 31 per cent in the past six months alone.

Joshua Cain, Salvation Army officer for Brantford and Paris and director of the Paris Food Bank, said the increase is particularly significant for a small community.

"In a small community such as ours, an increase like this is quite noticeable." Perhaps even more concerning is the changing demographic of those seeking assistance. Cain said many food bank clients are employed but still cannot afford to cover their basic living expenses.

"We have seen a growing need within our Food Bank, with many of those accessing our services having employment, but not enough funds to cover all their basic needs," Cain explained.

"By offering Food Bank hours in the evening, this will allow us to reach a greater demographic of folks who need the services provided by the food bank yet cannot afford to take time off work. We want to remove as many barriers possible to those affected by Food Insecurity."

Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, the food bank will offer evening service from 6 to 8 p.m., in addition to its existing Monday and Thursday afternoon hours of 1 to 3 p.m.

A permanent schedule change will take effect Nov. 2, when the food bank will operate Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

The expanded service is being made possible through a partnership with Forward Church Brant, whose volunteers will help staff the additional hours.

The growing need reflects a broader issue facing families throughout the community. According to figures cited by Cain from Grand Erie Public Health, one in four households in the County of Brant experiences some level of food insecurity.

"What concerns me most is that the need keeps growing just as we head into the most expensive time of year," Cain said. "These are our neighbours, people facing impossible choices between paying rent, heating their homes and buying groceries."

As the holiday season approaches, the food bank is also appealing to residents for donations to help keep its shelves stocked. Among the most-needed items are school snacks, pancake mix, canned fruit, peanut butter and canned soup. Personal hygiene products, including soap, shampoo and other toiletries, are also in high demand.

Cain said the food bank continues to receive tremendous support from local residents, businesses and service clubs.

Recently, Grand River Power Sports, Canadian Tire Paris, Sobeys Paris, Big Dog Diner and members of Kiwanis Paris-Brant joined forces in a grassroots initiative to collect food and financial donations. The Paris Rotary Club is also planning an upcoming food drive to support the organization.

"We feel a great sense of support from the community of Paris. The county of Brant shows up to support its neighbours," Cain said.

Residents looking to help can donate food, organize collection drives, volunteer or make financial contributions. Monetary donations are particularly useful because they allow the food bank to purchase essential items that are not regularly donated. Donations can be dropped off at the Paris Food Bank, 25B Dundas St W, during regular operating hours or at the Salvation Army's Brantford location at 33 Diana Ave., Monday through Friday.

With demand continuing to climb, Cain hopes residents recognize that food insecurity is not limited to those who are unemployed or experiencing homelessness. Increasingly, it is affecting working individuals and families who simply cannot stretch their incomes far enough.

"My message to the community is that food insecurity is closer than most of us realize, and that every donation to our food bank makes a real difference."

"The Salvation Army is committed to being here for our neighbours.”