LOAVES AND FISHES FOOD BANK SEES DROP IN DONATIONS

 

IF TREND CONTINUES

32% DROP OFF IN FOOD DONATIONS
20% DROP OFF IN CASH DONATIONS
5% INCREASE IN RETURNS PROGRAM

While cutbacks haven't yet been necessary, if current trends continue, Loaves and Fishes Food Bank will simply have less to give. The food bank can only distribute what it receives.

In June 2025, donations of “good food” — primarily recovered from local supermarkets — dropped by 32% compared to June 2024. Executive Director Peter Sinclair attributes this decline to local retailers becoming more efficient at matching inventory to demand. Despite the June drop, total food donations year-to-date remain slightly higher than last year, largely due to a one-time January donation of 13 tractor trailers of goods.

Cash donations are also down 20% year-to-date compared with 2024, likely reflecting the broader economic challenges facing many in Nanaimo.

At the same time, demand for food support is rising, particularly among seniors — another clear sign of growing financial strain in the community.

One bright spot: the food bank’s empties return program is up about 5% year-to-date.