Record High Demand for Food Banks in Ontario

Food banks throughout Ontario are starting their fall campaigns to meet the increasing needs of individuals and families in their communities.

Last year, these food banks assisted over one million people, setting a new record.

“This year, things have not gotten any better,” said Carolyn Stewart, chief executive officer of Feed Ontario, which oversees a network of more than 1,200 food banks and hunger relief organizations.

“The affordability crisis that we’re also seeing is really still affecting Ontarians and leaving them unable to afford their most basic necessities, and this led to record high numbers of our neighbours turning to food banks for help.”

Stewart mentioned that no matter where residents are located in the province, they’re reaching out for assistance from food banks and other hunger relief organizations, with demand continuing to grow.

“I think what we can all agree on is it’s been a really tough year, right? We’ve seen food prices continue to increase, housing continuing to be out of reach, and all these things are affecting all regions of the province.”

Rising Needs in Waterloo Region

Kim Wilhelm is CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, collaborating with various local organizations and groups to distribute food.

She stated that the demand for food assistance in the area “is higher than ever.”

Kim Wilhelm is the CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. She says the network of organizations that distribute food in the community are seeing a significant increase in people needing help. (Josette Lafleur/CBC)

“In September alone, our partners in the Community Food Assistance Network served nearly 26,000 adults and children, highlighting just how critical these programs are for individuals and families across our community,” she said. 

She pointed out that the September figures showed a seven percent increase compared to last year.

“As the weather gets colder, many families are feeling added pressure: higher heating bills, increased transportation costs, and the need for warm clothing and winter gear all stretch already tight budgets,” Wilhelm explained. 

“With these extra expenses, it becomes even harder for people to afford food, and we expect demand for support to keep rising. That’s why community support is so important right now.”

Dianne Mc Leod, CEO of the Cambridge Food Bank, noted they’re also observing changes in who requires food assistance.

“We’re seeing more and more employed people accessing the food bank; people who find that their earnings just aren’t stretching far enough at grocery stores,” she said.

“Housing costs are rising exponentially for renters; one area where we’re noticing cuts being made is on food because they want to keep a roof over their head.”

In London, Ont., this year’s fall drive by the local food bank has focused on providing meals specifically for children and youth.

The organization reports that 12,685 households-including 33,913 individuals-have utilized its services so far this year. Of those served individuals reported being children or youth making up 40 percent.

“Our society is failing our kids. London is failing our kids,” Glen Pearson, director at London Food Bank told CBC London.

Volunteers work in the warehouse of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

This past September saw Food Banks Canada release its annual report card grading Canada with a D note; it pointed out that over a quarter of Canadians struggle with securing enough food.

Kirstin Beardsley , C E O o f F o o d B a n k s C an ad a , t old C B C T or onto th at was a “shocking number.”

“What we’re seeing for low-income folks is that they’re spending well over 50 per cent of their incomes on rent alone which gives them no financial resilience to meet challenges.”

Ways You Can Help

Wilhelm emphasized that The Food Bank of Waterloo Region needs donations such as non-perishable foods or monetary contributions which can be used by them to purchase necessary items along with volunteers willing to donate some time as well.

“Whether someone donates either goods or funds joins an event within community activities lends support through volunteering every bit helps make an impact,” she noted.

Stewart suggested simply becoming aware about what communities endure could start making difference too. An interactive experience available online via Feed Ontario’s website called Fork In The Road allows users insight into living conditions faced by those needing aid.

“It’s really about walking through day month shoes people facing poverty encounter evaluating how manage limited budget ” she remarked. “It truly illustrates difficulties encountered while tackling issues related directly poverty.”

She explained Ontario’s various organizations distribute upwards seven million kilograms annually when referring importance assisting needy population.

“Every dollar donated through our organization translates two meals provided someone looking assistance,” she noted.

“Volunteering proves valuable since eighty percent networks operate five less employees meaning volunteers fuel overall function across province’s systems.”

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