Just three weeks.

That's about how much of a supply of food is left on the shelves of the SHARE Society food bank.

It's a constant battle for SHARE officials to keep up with the demand, especially during summertime when many people's thoughts are turned toward the sun.

SHARE's chief executive officer Martin Wyant said the food bank has seen a 59-percent growth in users since the recession of 2008, and the numbers aren't slowing down.

"The challenge for us is always trying to stay within striking distance of the demand that we're seeing," he told The NOW.

While Christmas is typically the biggest donation season for the food bank, the summer is almost the complete opposite.

So in order to meet the challenge and fill the shelves in the meantime, the food bank is launching a food drive for Friday, Sept. 7.

In partnership with PriceSmart Foods, SHARE is hoping to fill a semi-trailer with donations.

With a successful food drive, Wyant believes it should put the food bank in good shape up until just before the holiday season.

"It's really important we get food on the shelves now," he said, adding it's a challenge many of the food banks in the Lower Mainland are facing at this time.

"If we're successful on this, it should push us through until that next period of time."

Residents are asked to make a donation at the Coquitlam PriceSmart Foods at 2991 Lougheed Hwy. between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Donations can be made by purchasing $10 or $15 prepackaged hampers inside the store. The food bank notes the items most urgently needed include:

. Rice

. Pasta and pasta sauce

. Canned meals (ravioli, beans, etc.)

. Canned fruit

. Lipton Sidekicks, Hamburger Helpers, Shake & Bake, Kraft Dinner

. Juice

. Canned tomatoes

. Cereal

. Peanut butter (medium size)

Residents can also drop by with their own food and/or cash donations, or donate online at www. sharesociety. ca. SHARE also needs volunteers to help out on Sept. 7.

Those interested are asked to contact Heather Stacey at 604-529-5107 or heather. stacey@sharesociety.ca.

jdeutsch@thenownews.com