The Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society has issued an urgent plea for community support as its food bank faces unprecedented demand that has depleted critical supplies. Executive Director Amanda Trotter revealed that the organization is experiencing a severe shortage of essential food items, with shelves that once held staples for hundreds of families now sitting alarmingly bare.
“We’re seeing families who have never needed our services before walking through our doors,” Trotter explained during a hastily arranged press conference. “Many are working multiple jobs but still can’t make ends meet with the rising costs of housing, groceries, and fuel.”
The crisis has intensified throughout the summer months, with the Society reporting a 37% increase in food bank usage compared to the same period last year. This spike represents nearly 200 additional families now relying on the food bank’s services each month in the Peace Region community.
Local economic factors are exacerbating the situation. Despite Fort St. John’s reputation as an energy sector hub, recent fluctuations in oil and gas activity have created employment instability for many residents. Combined with inflation that continues to outpace wage growth across northeastern British Columbia, more households find themselves making impossible choices between paying rent and purchasing food.
“What we’re witnessing is the perfect storm of economic pressures,” noted Councillor Trevor Bolin, who has been coordinating with the Society. “When people who are employed full-time still can’t afford basic necessities, we need to recognize this as a community emergency.”
The Society’s immediate needs include non-perishable proteins like canned tuna, chicken, and beans, along with pasta, rice, canned vegetables, and personal hygiene products. Monetary donations are particularly valuable, allowing the organization to purchase fresh produce and dairy products at wholesale prices.
Several local businesses have already stepped forward with support. The Lakepoint Golf and Country Club announced a food drive tournament scheduled for next weekend, while Northern Lights College students have organized a campus-wide collection campaign.
Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen emphasized the critical nature of the situation. “Our community has always come together in times of need. The Women’s Resource Society provides an essential service that many of our neighbors rely upon. I’m confident our residents will respond generously to this call for help.”
For those looking to contribute, donation drop-off points have been established at Safeway, Save-On-Foods, and the Totem Mall. The Society has extended its receiving hours to accommodate the increased need, now accepting donations Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at their 10051 100th Avenue location.
“Every donation, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference,” Trotter stressed. “A single jar of peanut butter can provide protein for a child’s lunches for a week.”
As communities across Canada grapple with similar challenges in food security, the situation in Fort St. John highlights the growing disconnect between wages and basic living costs. The question facing residents and policymakers alike: how can we create sustainable solutions to food insecurity when even full employment no longer guarantees the ability to meet basic needs?
