As British Columbians struggle to put food on the table with soaring grocery prices, United Way BC has put out a call for donations to help ease the burden.

A Food Appeal has been launched to support communities across the province, through a network of 108 partner organizations in 23 regions, including the Southern Interior and expanding to additional communities such as 91大黄鸭. Every dollar donated stays local and supports community food programs.

Donations to the Food Appeal will directly support local food programs, Regional Community Food Hubs in the Similkameen Valley, North Okanagan, Cranbrook and Kimberly, and Food Link, an innovative program that supports the delivery of food and basic necessities.

The regional food hubs ensure that people have access to healthy, nutritious and culturally appropriate foods. Last year, the hubs provided over 61,492 means and 41,240 food hampers across the Southern Interior.

This year, the average Canadian household will spend $800 more on food than last year, according to United Way BC. For low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities, that number hits harder, as it means skipped meals, empty cupboards and difficult choices between food, rent and transportation.

鈥淔or many, it means leaving young children alone to work an evening job or being unable to leave home for necessities," said Al啪b臎ta Sabov谩, United Way BC food security director. "With inflation, layoffs, rising food prices, too many people are struggling to stay afloat."

Sabov谩 added that United Way BC is committed to supporting people in need, as half a million people around the province do not have enough food to eat every day.

To donate or learn more, visit .