P.E.I. news: Foodbank seeking donations [Video]

As the need for food grows, foodbanks across the region are feeling the pinch, including one in western Prince Edward Island, which is looking at a five-figure shortfall this year.

The West Prince Caring Cupboard has been running for 30 years and it has operated at its Tyne Valley location for eight years. There are three more cupboards in western P.E.I., serving dozens of people each week.

But times are tough and the number of people needing help continues to grow.

“We are (seeing) numbers rise pretty much every week,” said Rick Cameron, president of West Prince Caring Cupboard. ”Our numbers last year, for instance, compared to the year before, jumped by 70 per cent.”

He said they don’t expect to see that decrease unless the issues they’re facing now change.

Recent budget estimates project a potential shortfall of $60,000 to operate the four locations.

Cameron said community has been generous in the past and …