A local non-profit organization in Vancouver has been making a meaningful impact in the community this holiday season by distributing food hampers in areas such as Downtown Eastside, Strathcona, and Chinatown.
Evan Reeks, the operations manager of the Downtown Eastside Emergency Supply Hub (DTES Hub), expressed gratitude towards their food distribution partners for making it all possible. This week, they were able to collect approximately 5,000 pounds of food and make it available to those in need.
“We’ve welcomed an additional 100 individuals who received grocery hampers filled with meats, produce, bread, desserts, and more,” Reeks shared.
The DTES Hub, managed by the Overdose Prevention Society, focuses on enhancing food security, community resilience, and disaster preparedness for vulnerable populations in the city. Originally established to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 crisis, the hub has expanded its services to provide food, household items, essential supplies, and outreach support.
Reeks noted a noticeable increase in demand for assistance in recent years, with individuals who previously supported the organization now seeking aid due to rising costs and stagnant wages.
“It’s evident that the need is growing, as former donors have become clients themselves,” Reeks observed.
For more information on the DTES Hub and their initiatives, visit dteshub.ca.