South Peace SPCA sees decrease in food bank usage in 2023

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Most SPCA branches across the province have seen an increase in the number of people utilizing their pet food banks, except for facilities in the Peace region.

The South Peace branch saw mainly a decrease in demand, while the North Peace Branch reopened its food bank in 2023 after its previous building was closed for over a year.

In nearly every aspect, the food bank at the branch in Dawson Creek has seen a decrease in use from 2022 to 2023.

In 2022, the South Peace SPCA provided over 2,000 kilograms of dog food and just about 500 pounds of cat food. In 2023, they supplied almost 1,000 kilograms of dog food and just over 300 pounds of cat food.

The only increase was in the total canned dog food provided, from 111 to 414.

The South Peace SPCA provided 1,153 cans of cat food in 2022 and 678 in 2023.

Branch	Total KG of dog food	Total number of canned dog food	Total KG of cat food	Total number of canned	Total KG of litter
South Peace (2022)	2,165.07	111	497.16	1,153	334.5
South Peace (2023)	987.58	414	318.01	678	10.44
North Peace (2023)	591.23	40	113.11	215	10.44

Last year, the North Peace SPCA was not running its food bank program as its previous location was closed in March 2022 after structural issues were identified.

They began running the program this year at a new location and provided 591 kilograms of dog food, 40 cans of dog food, 113 kilograms of cat food, 215 cans of cat food and 10 kilograms of cat litter to those in need.

Diana Waters, BC SPCA outreach specialist, said the SPCA is always accepting donations of unopened pet food and cat litter for the community food banks.

To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit spca.bc.ca.