Vancouver charity unable to take on new clients due to inflation

A Vancouver-based charity that provides free food to those in need says it has reached capacity and can no longer accept new clients.

CityReach Care Society has seen a drastic increase in the need for aid with the rising costs of food, gas, and almost everything else.

“In order to keep up with our logistics, the amount of volunteers, the amount of food, space that we have, we weren’t able to accept any more and so still at this time the registration is closed,” Asst. Executive Director Cheryl McManus said.

The program is able to serve 3,000 people fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins, and grains — all of which have been getting steadily more expensive due to rising inflation.

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One man said the program has been a huge help as the cost of living keeps climbing.

“[It] provides for my children first and foremost and then myself and just takes some of the financial strain and stress off of my shoulders,” he told CityNews.

McManus says many of those using the food hampers are facing financial barriers. She wishes they could help more people.

“The costs are continuing to rise within the stores. And so families are having to make the choices of what food they’re able to buy. We don’t want them to have to sacrifice the health of their family for the sake of their finances,” McManus said.

CityReach Care Society is urging anyone with the financial means to do so to make a donation or to volunteer, in order to help the organization continue to serve existing clients and in the hopes of taking on more people in the future.