The Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB) is concerned the federal grocery rebate will do little to reduce the chronic financial constraint many people are facing.

鈥淲hile we commend this minor action by the government, we would like to see more of an effort to adequately solve food

insecurity in its entirety,鈥� said Trina Speiser, director of revenue and development.

Over the past year, inflation has resulted in a volatile economic state with no end in sight for those who are impacted the most, reads a statement from the CFOB.

The agency notes the number of individuals needing food assistance has drastically increased throughout the year.

鈥淎s an agency that is dedicated to helping those who have to make tough decisions between food and other essential items, our concern is that these one-time payments do little to solve high grocery prices that continue to persist,鈥� adds Speiser.

This year there has been a 30 per cent increase in visits to the COFB compared to last year.

鈥淭he number of clients served at COFB continues to break records with well over 7,000 individuals served in the months of March and May in the 琉璃神社 and West 琉璃神社 communities.鈥�

The COFB states that it shares the same sentiments as other food banks around the country - long-term solutions are needed to address affordable housing and lowering food costs.

More information can be found on the .

READ MORE: Grocery rebate checks out as a good step, but more help needed: economist

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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