Gas Prices Squeeze Food Banks, Budgets

0:00High gas prices are hitting Canadians hard, especially in British Columbia, and now they're squeezing food banks and everyday budgets. Folks are driving less or skipping meals just to fill up the tank, and that ripple effect is pushing more people through the doors of places like Lee, Surrey, Food Bank. Leaders there say they're seeing way more visitors compared to last year, as gas costs eat into what little room families have left for groceries. It's a double whammy higher fuel, means pricey or transport for everyone, and those expenses are trickling right into food prices through the supply, chain. Meanwhile, spots like the Union Gospel Mission are noticing the same trend, with first time users lining up for emergency foodhampers right after. Payday checks hit. These aren't repeat folks, new faces are showing up desperate for help. Grocers are filling the heat too, as the pliers slap on fuel surcharges and double digit price jumps. Independent stores running on razor-thin, 2% margins, just can't absorb that. They're warning they'll have to pass it straight to shoppers.

1:02The Man of Food Banks has jumped 50% in just two years, and with the economy dragging, this pressure shows no signs of letting up any time. Soon. This has been Vancouver News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.