Feed Ontario has reported that over one million Ontarians visited a food bank last year and is calling on the government to put stronger poverty reduction strategies in place to help with the affordability crisis.

The number of people visiting a food bank in the province has risen 25 per cent since last year and there has been an alarming increase in visits since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

September is ‘Hunger Action Month’ and Feed Ontario is taking the opportunity to educate the public about food insecurity.

The organization is the province’s largest collective of hunger-relief organizations and works with food banks, industry partners and local communities to address and end poverty and hunger.

It reports that the main drivers of food insecurity and poverty are the rising cost of living and the quality of work and income.

Carolyn Stewart with Feed Ontario says many Ontarians are left with making “impossible choices when it comes to food and bills” and turn to food banks as a result.

It collects real-time food bank use data through a Link2Feed platform to help inform their research and recommendations for change

Food banks are also feeling the pressure, says Stewart.

Nearly 70 per cent of food banks are concerned about not having enough supply and over 50 per cent worry about not having enough funds to meet their demands.

In April of this year the federal government announced a new national school food program to help offset costs for families.

READ MORE: Federal budget to include funding for Canada-wide school food program

Stewart adds that a government childcare food program in Ontario would be a massive step forward but says the the province would need to put a plan in place.

Food banks and food distribution centres in the Hamilton area include the Good Shepherd Venture Centre Food Bank on Cannon St E., Mission Services of Hamilton on Wentworth St N., Niwasa Food Bank on Melvin Ave., and Feed Halton on Mainway in Burlington.

Burlington Food Bank sees around 3,000 people each month.

Feed Ontario suggests donating “items you like to see in your own household, including fresh food and pantry items.” This includes grains, proteins, fruit and vegetables, household and hygiene products and items for special food diets, such as gluten-free, low-sugar, dairy-free and culturally appropriate food.