A charitable organization in Saint John that distributes up to 100 bags of groceries monthly to families is preparing to cease its operations due to financial challenges. Patrick Gordon, the founder of Operation Feed Saint John, expressed concerns about the rising costs of food and inflation, making it unsustainable to continue. The charity, which began in 2021 with volunteers delivering large bags of food to families in need, aimed to provide enough food for a small family for a week.
Initially, each bag cost around $50 to assemble, but the current cost has escalated to approximately $200 per bag. Operation Feed relies on donations, with the Tim Hortons smile cookie campaign being its major annual contributor, generating $52,000 in the last campaign. Despite support from various schools and community centers, the charity is facing financial strain, with the last food order amounting to $20,000.
The decision to end operations by the end of 2026 stems from the challenges posed by the increasing costs of food and the charity’s financial constraints. Gordon emphasized the importance of the program in aiding families in need but acknowledged the difficulty of sustaining it financially. Despite the emotional connection and impact on the community, Gordon, considering his own well-being and mental health challenges, has decided to discontinue the program.