The Goldstream Food Bank might cut “frills” from its weekly food hampers as hard economic times leave shelves increasingly bare.

Gayle Ireland, president of the Goldstream Food Bank Society, said the ongoing recession is bringing more clients in, but is keeping food donations out.

In September the food bank served 924 people — including 331 children — distributing 344 food hampers. That’s about a 30 per cent increase in clients from one year ago.

“It’s really bad. Donations are way down and we normally struggle through the summer anyway,” Ireland said. “It’s the recession. Everyone is holding on to what they have.”

The society is considering cutting back on “extras,” such as canned pastas, pasta sauce and extra meat that some hampers receive, Ireland said. Hampers over Thanksgiving might have canned pumpkin, but certainly no turkeys.

“We might have to do some serious cutting back of ‘nice to haves,’” she said. “If things don’t get better, we may have to restructure the hampers.”

Most people that come in are part of the “working poor,” people that have jobs but can’t make ends-meet. A few years ago most clients were on social assistance, but now the vast majority are employed or were recently laid off, Ireland said.

“We’re also seeing a lot more seniors,” she said. “We try to make them feel welcome, but a lot feel embarrassed. The first time is the worst.”

Ireland did note that London Drugs at Colwood Corners has been a big help in lean times with a big blue collection bin, but in general, the food bank is struggling to get by.

But adding to the stress, the food bank pickup van, at 18 years old and with shot brakes, is on its last legs, Ireland said.

Located at 761 Station Ave., the food bank welcomes monetary donations and non-perishable items. They always need high protein foods, health products and cat food. Call 250-474-4443 or see www.islandnet.com/~foodbank.

Food bank by the numbers

- To date this year, the Goldstream Food Bank has served 7,813 people. The same period in 2008 saw 6,125 clients.

- In September, the food bank distributed 344 hampers to 924 people, including 331 children.

-In September 2008, the food bank distributed 276 hampers to 724 people, including 259 children.

- About 70 per cent of the food bank’s clients are employed.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com