‘Buckling under the strain’, Food Banks Canada HungerCount report cites alarming numbers

Canada’s reliance on food banks has soared.

According to data from Food Banks Canada, the country hit a grim new milestone in March, with more than two million recorded visits.

The 2024 report entitled ‘HungerCount, Buckling under the strain‘ says that visits to food banks across Canada have nearly doubled since March 2019, and are already six per cent above last year’s record-breaking figure.

The organization’s annual survey of food bank use says rapid inflation, housing costs and insufficient social supports are driving poverty and food insecurity.

Food Banks Canada CEO says the banks are pushed “to the brink” and low-income Canadians need immediate help.

One urgent recommendation is a ‘groceries and essentials benefit’ to aid the existing GST credit that goes to low-income families, and to make it a monthly credit instead.

In Hamilton, Neighbour 2 Neighbour centre representatives say they have been feeling the pressure of the increased reliance on food services over the past year.

“We’re seeing seniors come to the food bank and come to our electricity program and be like ‘I’ve never had to be here before,'” Neighbour 2 Neighbour manager Laura Ryan said.

The food bank is currently serving 1,700 families per month, which is over 5,000 individuals.

For more information on how to help Neighbour 2 Neighbour, click here.

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