A charitable organization in Saint John that distributes up to 100 food bags to families monthly is preparing to cease its operations. Patrick Gordon, the founder of Operation Feed Saint John, cited rising food costs and inflation as the primary reasons for this decision. Gordon mentioned that the organization intends to wrap up its activities by the end of 2026 to utilize the remaining food supplies and funds for the community.
Established in 2021, Operation Feed Saint John originally involved veterans delivering large bags of food to families in need. Each bag, equivalent to about 80 meals, is tailored to sustain a small family for a week with three meals daily. The food bags contain a variety of items such as Cheerios, evaporated milk, pasta, chicken breasts, beans, vegetables, and fruits to cover all essential food groups.
Initially costing around $50 per bag, the current cost to assemble a food bag has surged to approximately $200, reflecting the financial strains faced by the charity. While Operation Feed receives significant donations from initiatives like the Tim Hortons smile cookie campaign, other contributions are sporadic and smaller in scale.
The charity’s recent food order amounted to $20,000, indicating the financial challenges exacerbated by the prevailing economic conditions. With Canada’s annual inflation rate reaching 3.1% in September, grocery prices experienced a 1.7% year-over-year increase, emphasizing the financial burden faced by food-related initiatives like Operation Feed.
Initially targeting high-priority schools in Saint John, Operation Feed has expanded its reach to include Glen Falls School and Centre Scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain upon request. Gordon emphasized the importance of proactive community outreach to ensure those in need receive assistance without facing logistical hurdles like transportation to food banks.
Reflecting on the charity’s impact, Gordon acknowledged the unexpected growth of Operation Feed since its inception during the pandemic. Despite the positive influence on the community, Gordon, a veteran dealing with personal mental health challenges, expressed the need to evaluate whether the program remains a source of support or a hindrance to his well-being. The decision to discontinue operations stems from the increasing financial strain and the necessity to prioritize personal well-being.
