With the rising cost of food, many seniors in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are struggling to afford to feed themselves.
That's why the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie, Seniors Network has launched a Gofundme to help ensure that no seniors go unfed in the community.
Normally, this problem is addressed by the Family Education and Support Centre, which provides farmers' market coupons to low-income families, pregnant people, and seniors. However, the demand for this program has exceeded its resources, with other measures now required, explained the centre's executive director Jenny Earley.
"There were people lined up down the block when we opened our doors at 9 a.m. By 9:45 a.m. the program was full," said Earley. "It is heartbreaking to have to turn away so many people, especially so many seniors."
According to Statistics Canada, food prices were up approximately 10 per cent at the beginning of 2023 compared to the same time in 2022, with prices only have gotten higher since then.
Getting access to fresh fruits and vegetables is especially challenging for many low-income seniors nowadays, which seniors network president Ernie Daykin hopes is something that can be helped with this latest online fundraiser.
“For every $432 we raise, we can add one more senior to the program," said Daykin. "Our goal is to raise $8,640 and ensure 20 more seniors will have access to locally grown, nutritious food."
Within a week, the fundraiser had already raised nearly $1,000.
Through the coupon program, households will receive $27 per week in coupons that can be used at many different BC Farmers' Markets between June 8 and Dec. 22. These coupons can be received for up to 16 weeks for those who need them.
Online donations can be made by visiting the Gofundme at gofundme.com/f/HelpHungrySeniors, with the seniors network also offering the option to donate in person by visiting the Family Education and Support Centre office, 22554 Lougheed Hwy., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.