Whistler food bank use rises as community grows

The Whistler Food Bank set a record in June for the number of people using it on a single day.

Nearly 100 people came to the food bank on a Monday this month, shattering the previous one-day record of 60.

Jackie Dickinson, program manager at the Whistler Community Services Society, says demand at the food bank has been steadily rising over the past few years.

"Probably since about 2013, we've continued to see an increased use of our social services, one being the food bank," Dickinsontold On The Coast guest host Gloria Macarenko.

"We've also seen this in our outreach services, our frontline mental health support in the community."

Dickinson saidit's unclear why usage has increased in the community but the population has grown by about 20 per cent, and like many other places in B.C., housing is becoming increasing unaffordable.

But she said according to food bank statistics, the main reason people use the service is because of injury or illness.

"That's a bit unique considering the adventure-based community we have here," she said. "Sometimes that can be a workplace injury, a mental health issue, all those things can impact someone."

Dickinson says one positive sign of the increased food bank use is that community members may be more aware of social services within Whistler.

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With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast