The Oromocto & Area Food Bank has seen a significant increase in demand in recent years, with executive director Jane Buckley noting that the province of New Brunswick has about five percent of its population living in food insecurity. Misty Laagland, a food bank user, supplements her household’s income with the assistance she receives from the food bank, as it can be difficult to afford healthy food on a limited budget. In addition to serving the local community, the food bank is now seeing a rise in military members accessing their services, with the number doubling since the pandemic began. Buckley believes that the cost of living, combined with military pay rates, may be contributing to this increase.
Despite the rise in military members utilizing the food bank, Buckley does not believe that many higher-ranking officials are in need of these services. The Canadian Armed Forces have taken the issue seriously and are implementing measures to support their members, such as inflationary increases to salaries, borrowing and savings programs, and on-base housing. Buckley has been in contact with individuals at the base to address some of the underlying issues contributing to the increase in military member usage of the food bank. She is also concerned about the growing number of seniors in need of support, many of whom have worked their whole lives but now struggle to feed themselves in their golden years.
The community has rallied to support the food bank, with local churches and nine regiments contributing to ensure that there is enough food to meet the increased demand. Some months, the food bank even has more food than it needs, allowing them to share with other food banks in the area. This strong community support has been vital in helping individuals like Laagland access the resources they need to feed themselves and their families. Laagland expresses her gratitude for the availability of these resources, which have made a significant difference in her ability to make ends meet.
Overall, the Oromocto & Area Food Bank plays a crucial role in providing essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the community. As demand continues to rise, particularly among military members and seniors, the food bank relies on the generosity of the community to ensure that all those in need have access to nutritious food. By working together and sharing resources, the community is able to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with food insecurity. Through continued support and collaboration, the food bank is able to fulfill its mission of providing food to all those in need, regardless of their circumstances.
