The number of people using the Food Bank has now more than doubled. Helen Donovan, the Chief Executive Officer of Fare Share, said in this interview there was a 61 percent increase over last year. A growing list of factors contributes to this surge. These include inflation, grocery prices, high cost of rent, and the number of people living in the community on fixed incomes.

Christmas is a particularly rough time for those in need. So, the food bank is responding with numerous efforts. And people are generously heeding the call. Still, the solution is not easy, says Donovan. You will want to listen to hear what is going on and who is being impacted.

Another aspect of Christmas is the religious celebration. At its heart, Christmas is a holy day. StatsCan recently released its 2022 census data. It appears slightly over half of people in Northumberland County consider themselves Christian. Nearly the same number say they have no faith. There is also a steady growth of other faiths in the community.

Rev. Neil Ellis will discuss those numbers and how different faiths and traditions honour the holiday season.