A record number of people used food banks in Canada this year, with high inflation and low social assistance rates cited as key factors in the rise, according to a new report.
The annual report from Food Banks Canada said there were nearly 1.5 million visits to food banks in March, 15 percent more than the same month last year and 35 percent more than in March 2019, prior to the pandemic.
The Food Banks Canada report is based on data from more than 4,750 food banks and community organizations.
The report said the skyrocketing cost of food and housing, as well as high inflation and low social assistance rates, have contributed to the rise in food bank usage.
The report says there has been: a 35% increase in usage in 2 years 4 million meals/snacks served in March 2022 1 in 7 users are employed 49% are on social assistance 33% of users are children 9% are seniors
Fixed-income groups like seniors and employed but low-income people such as students have been hit harder because their paycheques can't keep up with inflation
The report also said that around 500,000 food bank clients — about one-third — are children, who make up around 20 percent of the country's total population. So, if you can support the Foodbank with a cash donation that would be appreciated.
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