The cupboards are bare at the Glace Bay food bank, and staff members say something needs to be done quickly as some young children are going without the essentials.
Food bank supervisor Ruth Martell says as quickly as the shelves are filled, they’re empty again.
“We have at least 10 or 12 empty main shelves, and a lot of smaller shelves empty,” said Martell. “When I'm putting the orders on the floor, I know it's not the order people are used to getting.”
Martell says they have continued to see an increase in the number of clients since the year began.
“Ever since January, we've had 10 to 15 new clients a month. So now in September, we have at least 80 new people coming through the year.”
One of those people is Bernie Decoste, who says without the food bank, he wouldn't be able to make ends meet.
“Summer might not be too bad, but in the winter you need to pay an oil bill and light bill. It's not cheap. It's not easy,” said Decoste.
It’s not easy for the workers either, who are trying to make the products they have stretch as far as possible.
Some families are unable to provide school lunches for their children.
“I do five of everything. Five juice, five pudding, five crackers, five treats,” said Martell. “At least a family has a supply of lunches for a week. When I can't do that, then I know that family is going home and they don't have food for their child.”
Officials say they need help now more than ever, and are appealing to the public for support during their annual food drive.
“It's the only time we go door-to-door. This is the one that gets us through the fall and into the Christmas orders,” said Martell.
The food drive will take place Saturday.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
