Christmas came early to the Queens County Food Bank as the organization received just over $45,000 to buy a new walk-in freezer.

Queens was one of five banks across Canada to receive grants from Loblaw Companies Limited, the parent company of local Real Atlantic Superstore, No Frills and Independent stores. The new freezer will increase the food bank’s frozen food capacity by 25 per cent when it arrives sometime in the spring.

Chair of the Queens County Food Bank Shelly Panczyk says that extra space couldn’t come at a better time.

“We’re going into an economic slump or recession or whatever. Everything is starting to escalate,” said Panczyk. “Even two people in a family that are working sometimes have to use a food bank.”

Panczyk says she is seeing a 20 per cent increase in the number of people using the food bank over last year.

On average 120 families or 450 people use the food bank every month, a third of those are children. She expects those numbers will go even higher after Christmas.

“I feel in January February, you know, the winter months when reality sets in, because we’ve only had a taste of it increase in heating,” said Panczyk.

She says the food bank is anticipating the usual uptick in donations as people get into the spirit during the holiday season.

Panczyk looks forward to launching several of their regular donation drive efforts once Remembrance Day passes.

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