Shrinking packaging means less for food banks

The Sudbury food bank says it's hoping people continue to be generous in light of the rising cost of food.

Executive director Dan Xilon said supplies might be affected, as the cost of growing and producing food is going up and many manufacturers are making packages smaller while keeping the price the same.

“What people may or may not have noticed is that one of the ways the costs are being returned back is by package sizing,” he said.

“For example, a lot of the things you used to buy last year at so many grams are a few grams less this year.”

Xilon said he now gives more food to make sure families have enough.

“You've gotta give out a little bit more right to cover the same distance. You might have to supply a family with a couple of boxes of cereal as opposed to just one to make sure they have breakfast for the kids before they head for school.”

Sudbury public health nutritionist Bridget King said she hasn't compiled this year's research into what it costs individuals and families to eat healthy — but people are already struggling.

“We know, for example, that a single person on Ontario Works — when we're just considering rent and food only — [is] already in the negative.”

Xilon noted there are now collection bins in LCBO stores in the city. He said he isn't sure how much food will be donated there, but he said the liquor stores wanted to help.

Xilon is also reminding people to donate during the Vale Concert Series which starts tonight.