The Root Cellar has seen a higher spike in usage than normal early in 2022. (Photo Courtesy Chris Brown)

By Chris Brown

Root Cellar getting close to 300 calls a day, says interim executive director

Mar 21, 2022 | 3:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Early year spikes in usage are nothing new at the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub.

But in 2022 it’s like nothing they’ve seen before.

“Since December our usage has been up 87.5 per cent, so we’re seeing a lot more people than we have before,” says interim executive director Melissa Mullis. “Where typically we were getting 50 to 100 calls a day now we’re getting close to 300 a day.”

Mullis says a variety of factors have many families in more of a financial pinch than in previous years.

“I think that based on what’s going on in our world with job loss, with utilities being a lot higher, gas prices being higher people are just finding themselves you know in a situation that they’ve never felt before,” she says.

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“If you were kind of on the edge before you’re kind of falling below the poverty line and having to access help.”

Mullis adds the Root Cellar is a place of dignity and a great community space. She says the Root Cellar loves to help people encourages anyone who needs assistance to reach out.

Learn more about how you can help or get help at mhrootcellar.com.

Most Needed Items

• Sugar
• Oats (oatmeal)
• Rice
• Pasta
• Diapers 5/6
• shampoo and body wash

Other Food Items

• Small peanut butter
• Small jars of jam
• Pasta
• Pasta sauce
• Ichiban noodles
• Pancake mix
• Cereal
• Garden produce

Canned Items

• Canned fruit
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham, turkey)
• Canned soup
• Canned beans
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned pasta sauce
• Canned meals

Hygiene Items

• Two in one shampoos
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene
• Laundry soap
• Cleaning supplies
• Dish soap
• Mini hotel samples

Baby Items

• Formula
• Diapers
• Shampoo
• Lotion