Food bank usage across Canada is on the rise, but numbers have actually decreased slightly at the Goldstream Food Bank this year heading into the always important holiday season.

Earlier this week, Food Banks Canada reported that usage is up 1.3 per cent over 2015 and 28 per cent since 2008 Canada-wide, with a 3.4 per cent increase in B.C. compared to this point last year.

The Langford-based Goldstream Food Bank hasnB次元官网网址檛 followed that trend, with numbers down somewhat over 2015, but president Gayle Ireland doesnB次元官网网址檛 necessarily believe thatB次元官网网址檚 an indication that residents are climbing out of poverty.

B次元官网网址淥nce they drop off our files I have no idea where theyB次元官网网址檝e gone, but I have heard from other agencies that a lot people have moved up island or out to Sooke where houses are a lot cheaper and rents are a lot more reasonable,B次元官网网址� Ireland said.

With lower numbers, the food bank has managed to stock their hampers a little bit fuller so far this year, but that doesnB次元官网网址檛 mean that there isnB次元官网网址檛 still a strong need for donations.

B次元官网网址淭he price of groceries has gone up (regularly) so our purchasing power is being reduced,B次元官网网址� Ireland noted. B次元官网网址淓ven though weB次元官网网址檝e had a reduction in numbers, the cost has gone up.B次元官网网址�

When it comes down to decision-making with its purchases, itB次元官网网址檚 not surprising that luxury items such as desserts and snacks get cut first.

B次元官网网址淲e have meetings and we discuss it. What we try and do is weed out the B次元官网网址榥ice-to-haveB次元官网网址� items that are included in the hamper and focus on the B次元官网网址榥eed-to-haveB次元官网网址� items. We focus on nutrition first and extras second,B次元官网网址� Ireland said.

The facility is preparing to shift its focus in December as it officially becomes the Westshore Christmas Hamper Fund Society for the month.

B次元官网网址�(ItB次元官网网址檚) a different mission, different bank account, different board, but weB次元官网网址檙e all basically the same people, we just switch hats,B次元官网网址� Ireland said.

In addition to the regular food and monetary donations B次元官网网址� which help ensure that all of the food bank clients get a chance for a turkey dinner at Christmas B次元官网网址� the society takes in donations of toys and other Christmas gifts.

While young children are often the recipients of most of those donations, an area of need that shouldnB次元官网网址檛 be forgotten is Christmas gifts for seniors. Toiletries, mitts and scarves and any other small gifts can make a huge difference at this time of year, especially for seniors that might not have any family around.

Ireland has seen the effect a small donation can have first hand.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e had people crying in (my) office saying, B次元官网网址榶ou know, if it wasnB次元官网网址檛 for that stocking you gave me, I wouldnB次元官网网址檛 have had any presents to open,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚t warms your heart B次元官网网址� I think thatB次元官网网址檚 what itB次元官网网址檚 all about.B次元官网网址�

Extra volunteers are helpful during the busy holiday season. Anyone wishing to contact the food bank can reach them at 250-474-4433.

Those in need can call one of the societyB次元官网网址檚 two lines at 250-391-9627 (Christmas) or 250-391-9904.

joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com