Fuel prices, inflation add to hardship caused by pandemic

More important than ever for those who are able to support those in need

By Zachary Roman

The need for social services, such as food banks, has increased in Caledon during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As people still grapple with the effects of the virus on their lives, Caledon residents, like many others around the world, are now faced with high fuel prices and a higher cost of living.

Michelle Veinot, Director of Community Resources at Caledon Community Services (CCS), said this has led to people needing to ask for help with more than food when they've never had to before. 

“People are coming through our doors who never thought they would have to access social service support such as a food bank… we've seen an increase in clients, but what I would say is, even the existing clients that we had are struggling much more than they ever have,” said Veinot. “You're adding on these other challenges around grocery costs, and the cost of fuel, and utilities and those things.”

She explained people are now asking for things like utility subsidies and assistance with expenses for their children, such as money for camp registration and non-prescription medicine like Advil and Tylenol. Veinot said CCS expects to see a large demand for back-to-school supplies come August and September.