Red Deer Food Bank in summer slump

The Red Deer Food Bank is having a tough time keeping up with demand over the summer months.

With people on holidays, it means that the number of donations and volunteers goes down. Unfortunately, the need for food does not. 

Mitch Thomson, the Executive Director of the Red Deer Food Bank says that they have been doing a "Christmas in July" campaign to help them out. 

"Over the last month, we've been holding a Christmas in July campaign to try and encourage people to get into that season of giving. It's been a tough slog, to be honest."

Thomson explains why summer it tough.

"It's actually here in the summertime when it it's the least amount of support that we receive. And so, we are just reminding people that others need help all year round in some instances."

Apart from the usual non-perishable food items, Thomson says cash and gardens can help out a lot.

"Cash allows us to buy milk and eggs and meat and things like that generally don't get donated. Also, at this time of year, people are producing food in their gardens and if they have any extra bringing it into the food bank can really help."

Another reason July and August are tough months is because many of the regular volunteers go on holidays. If you would like to help out or are in need of receiving a food hamper from the food bank, check out their website for more information.