The Christmas season typically brings a stronger demand for services at the Red Deer College food bank.

“This time of year is always busy because for students it’s the time where stress finally builds with finals and assignments, it’s the time when student loans tend to run out and students are so focused on their classes,” said Eric Peppinck, president of the Red Deer College Students’ Association.

The food bank at the College allows students to access their services once per term.

In the 2010-2011 academic year, between 28 and 30 students were helped at the RDC food bank in September of that school year and 15 hampers were given out as well.

This year, the numbers have been slightly higher with the RDC food bank helping more than 30 students this past September.

Peppinck said the food bank at RDC is a vital service offered to students.

“If we didn’t have this here, so many students are from out of town that they wouldn’t really know where to go for this type of service. Many also don’t have a way of getting up to the Red Deer Food Bank,” he said. “If we didn’t offer this service here I think many students who use it, wouldn’t get it.”

The food bank at RDC is funded completely by donations. Peppinck said at many RDC events the Students’ Association will have a box for donations available.

He added some of the items the food bank at the College can use include deodorants, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent and dish soap.

“Other items that are always good are canned soups, canned veggies and canned fruit. As well we can always use bags of rice or pasta,” he said. “Cash donations are always appreciated as well because then we can purchase what we are in need of.”

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com