New Dartmouth food bank for veterans flooded by demand ahead of Remembrance Day

Vets Canada has opened a food bank for former soldiers who face a new kind of battle at home.

A new food bank in Dartmouth created specifically for military veterans is already seeing an increase in demand for its services, even before their official grand opening.

VETS Canada quietly opened its Veterans Community Pantry in March as “soft-launch” to iron out all of the kinks said Jim Lowther, the official opening hasn’t yet been decided.

Jim and his wife Debbie founded the organization in 2010 to help veterans who are struggling to adjust to life after their military service.

The charity co-founders say they’ve already distributed nearly 6,000 pounds of food with more than 50 veterans registered to use the service, largely through word of mouth.

“People often think of veterans as seniors,” said Debbie Lowther. “But almost 90 per cent of the people we’re helping are between the ages of 24 and 64.”

The pantry operates on a credit system that lets veterans choose their own groceries in a discreet, appointment-based setting which is designed to feel more like a shopping experience than a food bank.

The idea came out of necessity for VETS Canada who handed out roughly $300,000 in grocery gift cards in 2023, that was almost double what they handed out in gift cards the year before said Jim.

The husband-and-wife team thought that a dedicated food bank could stretch their organizations dollars further.

“It’s sad that men and women who served our country have to use a food bank,” said Jim. “But it’s tough for everyone right now.”

As Canadians prepare to mark Remembrance Day, the Lowther’s hope people will remember that many veterans are still fighting a different kind of battle now when it comes to making ends meet.

“They’ve already paid the price,” said Debbie. “They prepaid by wearing the uniform.”

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