Fort Erie food bank nearly empty, pleads for donations

The Salvation Army’s shelves have run dry, so the Fort Erie food bank is asking the community for donations to feed the families who rely on it.

The food bank on Gilmore Road is now serving up to 325 households a month–a 40 per cent jump in two years–and donations have been leaving the shelves almost as fast as they arrive.

The Salvation Army named the items it needs most last week in a social media post: peanut butter, canned beans, chicken noodle soup, canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat and fish, pasta sauce and personal hygiene products.

The shortage follows months of mounting strain on the service.

Constable Andrea Bieliunas of the Niagara Regional Police Service saw the problem firsthand during the force’s spring food drive in May, when she visited local food banks before the campaign began.

“It seems the food is leaving just as fast as it’s coming in,” said Bieliunas.

Higher prices and unemployment have pushed more people through food bank doors than ever before, she said.

“People are in dire need for food these days,” said Bieliunas. “Just with the way the costs are going up, with unemployment rates, people are using the food banks a lot more than ever.”

Major Nancy Braye of the Fort Erie Salvation Army said in February that some former donors now book appointments to use the service themselves.

“Many of the people who used to donate to our food bank are now coming to make an appointment to use it,” said Braye. “That is a sad reality for many people in our community.”

The Salvation Army has run in Fort Erie for more than 100 years. Its food bank helps anyone in need, regardless of income or job status.

Residents can drop off food at 255 Gilmore Road between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The bank will collect large donations by pickup if contacted by phone. Residents can also leave non-perishable food at Sobeys on Garrison Road.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe