Exclusive: Charities run out of food

Charities are struggling to keep up with a spiralling demand for food handouts.

And some of the agencies responsible for handing out non-perishable goods have actually run out of supplies as Christmas approaches.

The Eliza Doolittle Society’s food bank had been empty for two weeks up until the beginning of this week when donations began to trickle in again from grocery stores and hotels.

The 14-day dearth was the longest period without food experienced by the charity’s food bank.

The festive season is traditionally accompanied by a wave of donations.

But those tasked with ensuring the supplies reach the right people say they can’t keep up with the ever-increasing demand.

Margaret Ward, Director of the EDS, told the Bermuda Sun that the current shortage was “extremely scary”.

And she said the charity had seen a marked increase in the number of unemployed people desperate for groceries and food items in the last few weeks. She added: “We simply did not have any supplied to provide people with food for around two weeks, it was that bad.

“The demand is so high now our food banks just cannot keep up.

“We are seeing more and more unemployed people coming in to pick up non-perishable items, but we just don’t have enough food for them. We are having to ration what we give out, but still we have run out.

“Right now we desperately need things like cereal, peanut butter and tuna.

“We were very low on supplies back in June, which was when Cablevision helped us out. But now we are in a very serious situation and the numbers of people needing these handouts is growing all the time.”

Last Christmas the Salvation Army helped around 1,450 families during the festive period. 

It’s head, Shawn Critch, said: “There is certainly increased need represented within the community and our staff and volunteers are working hard to meet the demand upon our annual Christmas Assistance program.

“The increase over the past few years is showing no sign of slowing down. Families continue to struggle. As one of the islands largest providers of non-governmental assistance we are pleased that our mission continues to represent the shared commitment and values of the wider community.

“That speaks well of our commitment to each other.  Our primary objective is to help reduce the financial burden felt by many during the Christmas season.”

Sheelagh Cooper from the Coalition for the Protection of Children added: “We are running out of food because the demand is just exponential and we are just not able to keep up.

“Our food storehouse is empty only a week after we replenish it. 

“We are now encouraging donors who would otherwise donate toys for our children’s Xmas party to instead give grocery vouchers. 

“Toys are wonderful at Xmas but children need to eat throughout the year.”