If you live in Saint John, you know how hard inflation hits local families. A local charity that delivers food to those families is shutting down. Operation Feed Saint John provides up to 100 bags of groceries to the community every month. Founder Patrick Gordon says skyrocketing inflation makes it impossible to continue. The organization plans to wrap up operations by the end of the year.

The Financial Strain of Rising Food Costs

Gordon started the charity in 2021. Back then, a single bag of food cost about $50 to assemble. Today, that same bag costs around $200. The charity recently spent $20,000 on a single food order. Gordon told CBC Information Morning Saint John that inflation makes the situation uncontrollable. The organization relies heavily on the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign. That campaign brought in $52,000 last time. Other donations remain small and sporadic.

What Families Receive

Volunteers pack industrial size tote bags with enough food for about 80 meals. This feeds a small family three meals a day for a week. The bags include Cheerios, evaporated milk, pasta, chicken breasts, beans, vegetables, and fruit. Gordon says they try to hit all the food groups. The charity delivers directly to high priority schools in Saint John. These include St. John the Baptist, Prince Charles, and Hazen White St. Francis. They also supply food to Glen Falls School, Centre Scolaire Samuel de Champlain, and local resource centers like the Boys and Girls Club. Gordon believes delivering directly to the community works better than making vulnerable people travel to a food bank.

The Impact on Veterans

Operation Feed Saint John relies on veterans and first responders to deliver the food. Gordon started the program during the pandemic to help the community. He quickly realized it gave veterans a renewed sense of purpose. Gordon shared a story about a volunteer who told him, “Pat, the only reason I leave my house is because of this.” However, the pressure of raising $20,000 every two months takes a toll. Gordon faces his own mental health challenges and admits the financial stress now hinders his well being. He says he feels sad and defeated but cannot continue bootstrapping the massive costs. The charity will spend its remaining funds on food and distribute it to the community before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Operation Feed Saint John closing?

The charity is closing because rising grocery prices make it impossible to afford the food. The cost to fill one bag increased from $50 to $200.

Who delivers the food for the charity?

Local veterans and first responders volunteer their time to pack and deliver the grocery bags directly to schools and community centers.

How many meals does one bag provide?

Each large tote bag contains enough food for about 80 meals. This feeds a small family three meals a day for an entire week.

When will the charity officially shut down?

Founder Patrick Gordon plans to wrap up operations by the end of the year after distributing the remaining food and funds.