This isn’t the first time the local Salvation Army food bank has run dry of essentials. It’s always a struggle at this time of year for the organization as the post-Christmas spirit of giving dries up.
Yet this latest shortage seems more dire. Whether it’s the recession, the changing demographics of this community, a growing influx of people moving in from the fringes of larger cities, the overall lack of affordability in Nelson or a combination, the need continues to grow. Whether we welcome it or not, it’s our new reality.
So what can we do about it?
Well, obviously the first step is to head down to the grocery store to put together a shopping bag full of pasta, cereal, rice and other core staples. The Salvation Army and Nelson Food Cupboard need food now. If they don’t get help then people will not have enough to eat. Children will go hungry.
We’re confident the greater Nelson community will dig deep to stave off any lasting food shortage crisis. We always do.
The short-term fix will come, but it doesn’t solve the bigger problem. If a growing need from those who struggle with the basics is our future, then there needs to be more urgent solutions from community leaders.
There is an effort at all political levels, but is it enough? Reports and committees provide plenty of lip service, but what can we point to as real action?
The Kootenay Christian Fellowship plan to convert the old Savoy into low cost housing and address some of the other needs of the poor is something tangible. Though huge hurdles exist, we need our leaders to take this plan seriously and help make it happen.
It’s not just about mental illness and addictions. As the affordable housing gap widens in this area, the number of working poor will increase. That’s scary.
Nelson cares, but band-aids are not enough. We need real action which means we need real leadership to help work towards solutions.
—Nelson Star