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Food bank feeling the pressure in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Co-ordinator estimates the number of seniors using the food bank has increased by 25 per cent in last six months
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The Salvation Army Food Bank’s Lisa Clason stands beside some empty shelves at the food bank.

The Salvation Army Food Bank is looking for help to fill its shelves.

Due to a combination of fewer food drives than previous years and a shift in the types of clients, the regional food bank based in French Creek is at it's lowest point in a long time.

"We are seeing more seniors and fewer families," said coordinator Lisa Clason, estimating the number of seniors has increased 25 per cent in the last six months.

They currently have 423 registered clients and she was happy to report that various government family incentives appear to be kicking in and reducing the number of families.

She did say that while they have fewer families, those families appear to be growing.

With the food bank's point system, letting people shop for what they want, and encouraging healthier foods, Clason said they are always short on proteins, which they then have to buy.

Right now they are in particular need of juice, canned vegetables (not cream corn or tomato soup), tuna, cereal, peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, Mr. Noodle and Kraft Dinner.

She said they are always happy to accept cash, which they shop with for needed items and can often get really good sales or bulk deals.

She also encouraged people to contribute through Save-On Foods' current bag sales food drive.