By Gavin Miller

Rising cost of living means more families struggling to make ends meet

Jan 25, 2022 | 5:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- The continuing rise in food prices has led more families to seek community support.

The Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub says since the beginning of December there has been an 87.5 per cent increase in the number of households accessing emergency food services.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the sharp increase due to job loss or inability to work.

Melissa Mullis is the marketing and events manager at Root Cellar. She says they’ve been providing emergency food in record numbers.

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This, combined with fewer donations over the holidays when compared to previous years, has led to a quicker depletion of inventory.

“I think everybody’s feeling the pinch right now. Everybody’s getting higher utilities, inflation has definitely increased. If you were in a situation where you weren’t requiring support before you’re definitely requiring support right now. We’re seeing a lot more people than we ever have before.”

The Root Cellar partners with local grocery stores allowing them to purchase food in bulk.

Supply chain issues and the spread of COVID-19 have created shortages in inventory and staff.

These challenges have impacted local businesses’ ability to donate.

Mullis adds that a cattle donation through the Root Cellar Cattleman’s Program or food donations would make the biggest impact right now.

“You can go to our website at mhrootcellar.com to find out how to donate. Just any way, there’s no donation that’s too big or too small.”

Their wish list includes items such as Kraft Dinner, canned soup, rice and hygiene products.