As of February 2013 the lakes District food bank has doubled the number of times that a person can access its services. This is in an effort to lend further assistance to those whose employment insurance benefits may have run out coming into the new year.

Recent computer difficulties prevent the release of current statistics on increased food bank usage.

The food bank has also begun to provide non-food items.

鈥淲e have increased the purchasing to include things that we never bought before like toilet paper, diapers, baby formula, feminine supplies and laundry soap,鈥� said Joanna Carnie.

The hope is that these kinds of non-food items will help clients cope better, she said.

If you would like to make a donation and receive a tax deductible receipt, please mail your donation to: Lakes District Food Bank, Box 777, 亚洲天堂 Lake, BC. V0J 1E0.