Richard Froese
Most people and families in local communities celebrated Christmas and New Year’s with delicious dinner and plenty of food.
Yet, many went without or had little because they could not afford the rising costs of food and other expenses like utilities, housing and clothing.
Fortunately, many families in need were blessed by Christmas food hampers, vouchers, or care packages from the local Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), the High Prairie Children’s Resource Council (CRC) and other agencies and organizations.
Organizers and recipients greatly appreciated all those in the community who donated resources, time and service to provide hot meals and other food and gifts in the season of giving.
In many communities, churches and organizations served Christmas dinner or lunch on or before Christmas Day. A warm meal and warm fellowship does wonders for people in need during a cold winter day.
Christmas is traditionally a busy time when families and friends gather and eat. Two such gatherings in High Prairie showed the spirit of the season. A Community Christmas Lunch was hosted at the Nazarene Church of High Prairie on Dec. 24. The High Prairie Community Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25 at the Legion was hosted by a local caterer and team of volunteers.
Eating is a major part of Christmas and New Year’s as people gather and celebrate with family and friends.
Food is an essential in life.
However, inflation, the rising cost of food and utilities, and housing have become unaffordable for people living on fixed or low incomes.
Economic experts project the prices of of food will rise by three to five per cent in 2025 and more people will suffer and struggle to make ends meet.
Those who hurt the most are seniors, people on fixed incomes, unemployed and underemployed and those on financial social assistance.
Television news reports over the Christmas season showed that the number of requests for food hampers at food banks across Canada is growing while donations of food or cash are not meeting the demand. One food bank in Edmonton reported the number of food hampers it distributes a month has grown to about 300 from about 50.
Another food bank is reducing the number of food hampers a client can receive in one year.
As people and food banks in rural regions also struggle with demand, community lunches and dinners will be important, especially during cold winter days.
People need food and good healthy meals all year, not just at Christmas.
Especially for people less fortunate, they need more support – more food than what they can afford.
It will take support and generosity from citizens and communities to help those in need.