It’s not your imagination – putting food on the table has become harder than ever in BC.
The Union Gospel Mission (UGM), a Vancouver-based charity that’s been in operation since the 1940s, says to Global News in a recent report that they’ve seen a startling rise in families turning to its emergency food hamper program just to get by.
Launched in the early days of the pandemic, the hamper service provides pantry staples like pasta, beans, rice, and canned goods, along with grocery gift cards and baby supplies.
It was to help tide people over until their next paycheque, income assistance deposit, or food bank visit.
But what used to be a small-scale offering is now a lifeline for thousands.
Back in 2020, UGM handed out just over 1,200 hampers. But as of June this year, they’ve already crossed 4,200.
By year’s end, they expect to surpass 8,000, a record number that signals something deeply wrong with the cost of living in BC.
For people like Hazel, a grandmother caring for her two granddaughters, these hampers mean survival.
She told Global News that she stretches every item to last as long as possible, combining porridge, canned vegetables, and spaghetti sauce into rotating meals to keep her family fed.
And she’s not alone.
“There’s a lot of hungry people in this community,” said Sandra, quoted on UGM’s website. “You’re always foraging and it’s tiring — at the end of the day, especially if you’re homeless, you’re spent.”
For her, and so many others, food is not just about hunger.
It’s about hope, dignity, and connection.
Each hamper distributed also creates a touchpoint with outreach workers who can help with other critical services, including housing referrals, counselling, and health resources.
UGM told Global News it spends around $10,000 per month just to meet current food demand.
And even with limits of four hampers per year per household, the need continues to outpace supply.
As inflation drives grocery prices higher and rents continue to climb, local charities like UGM are left filling the widening gaps and hoping that the rest of us are paying attention.
If you’re in a position to help, you can donate directly through the Union Gospel Mission’s website.