For many low-income residents in 91原创, buying groceries is becoming a luxury they can no longer afford.
According to an RBC study published in May, food inflation rose by 2.4 per cent in Canada last year and is expected to rise again by three to four per cent this year, forcing many citizens to cut back on other expenses, turn to food banks or just go without.
But now 91原创 residents have another option, thanks to the Oasis Outreach Society.
The non-profit discount grocer, which offers grocery items for 30 to 50 per cent of their retail value, has opened a new location on the corner of 203 Street and Douglas Crescent.
Their purpose is to give low-income individuals and families a place where they can shop with dignity, said executive director Kevin MacNeil.
鈥淭he food bank is a great asset to the community and I support them 100 per cent, but sometimes they鈥檙e not enough,鈥� MacNeil said.
鈥淲e want people to be able to feel better about themselves and get a choice.鈥�
Membership to the Oasis Outreach Society is free, but it is limited to those with incomes of less than $20,000 per year. An extra $2,000 limit is added for each dependent.
Food and other items are donated by companies, community organizations, farmers and individuals.
Most are products that are rejected by retail outlets due to mislabeling, damaged packing or being too close to their expiry dates.
Rather than having them sent to the landfill, the food is instead distributed to those who need it most.
鈥淭oo much food is going into landfills when it could be going into people鈥檚 mouths,鈥� MacNeil said.
Oasis Outreach Society opened their first location in Chilliwack in 2011 and now services more than 1,700 members there. With goals of eventually opening several locations in the Lower Mainland, the board of directors decided to come to 91原创 first because of the great need here.
鈥淥ur concept is just to try and help low-income families, seniors and the working poor,鈥� MacNeil said. 鈥淭ry to get more out of life, make them feel like they鈥檙e putting back into the community. There鈥檚 no discrimination.鈥�
The success stories they鈥檝e had are innumerable, he added.
One volunteer in Chilliwack came to the society unable to read or write, and she is now a manager, MacNeil said.
In another case, a senior on a fixed income came in with only $60 to buy groceries for an entire month. She was able to get everything she needed for only $40.
鈥淚t鈥檚 incredible the gratitude we get from people,鈥� MacNeil said. 鈥淣ot a day goes by that someone isn鈥檛 saying thank you.鈥�
The 91原创 location is currently looking for volunteers to help out in the store. For more information on how to volunteer or how to become a member, contact Oasis Outreach Society at 604-533-1172 or visit them in person
