The Community Food Basket in Saint John saw a major increase of people dependent on their service in 2012.
Carolyn Danells, chair of the board for the food basket, tells CHSJ news they saw an increase of 10% -- or about 40 families or individuals. Danells believes the reason to be a lack of jobs, but also points to increasing prices for food and services while wages stay stagnant.
Danells is incredibly thankful for the amount of donations they did receive over the holidays, but does admit donations do dwindle after the Christmas season. From January through March, the non-profit group needs double the donations than normal, since they give 2 orders to families instead of 1 a month. Danells says they double what they give because of the increased cost of heat and light bills during the cold winter months.
The food basket is located at 215 Charlotte street, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 2 until 4 pm.