Food Banks in Canada Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an important time of year for those of us in Canada, but in many areas of the country there is not a lot to be thankful for today. Food insecurity is a threat to the health and welfare of many seniors, those with disabilities and those on fixed incomes. We are confronted with a grave issue as we focus on addressing the symptom rather than the underlying cause. The word "crisis" is swiftly invoked in discussions with food bank administrators throughout Canada. The relentless surge in food prices due to inflation, coupled with stagnant wages and insufficient support programs, has led to an unprecedented surge in demand at food banks across the nation. In order to meet this soaring demand, some food banks have been compelled to reduce the amount of assistance provided to each individual.

It is disheartening to observe that among those queuing up for food hampers are new Canadians and hardworking individuals from the lower-middle class. In regions where food insecurity rates are already alarmingly high, such as the North, a Yellowknife food bank reports a staggering 72 percent increase in the number of undernourished children. The existence of food banks was originally intended to be temporary, as affirmed by the head of the Regina Food Bank, which has now operated for four decades.

Poverty has caught up with the middle class in Newfoundland, as highlighted by the operator of the largest food bank in Newfoundland and Labrador who, displeased by its size, decries the current system. Outside the St. John's Foodbank, he shares his frustration, stating, "This is a broken system." The number of clients at the Foodbank has more than quadrupled since the period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the fastest-growing segment being working people who now constitute 40 percent of the client base. The lower-middle class has been pushed into poverty due to escalating costs and stagnant incomes that fail to keep pace with inflation.

Moreover, the situation worsens for seniors and individuals with fixed incomes who struggle to make ends meet amidst skyrocketing grocery costs. Many seniors have resorted to relying on food banks near their residences to barely stay afloat. Even those who require government assistance to make ends meet find themselves compelled to turn to food banks to survive the month.

The continuous reliance on food banks in Canada, four decades after their establishment, signifies a disconcerting trend. These facilities were initially conceived as temporary responses to combat high inflation and exorbitant costs. Yet, the demand for food bank services continues to escalate throughout the country. People from all walks of life, including those employed full-time, find themselves seeking assistance from food banks. Whether they struggle to earn a living wage, face unaffordable rent, or live with disabilities, the need remains pressing. Unfortunately, while the organization endeavors to assist more individuals, thousands still return to empty tables.

Quebec is currently grappling with a food insecurity crisis, and the government's response has been sluggish. The surge in demand over the past year has compelled one food bank to restrict the number of daily visitors and reduce the size of its food baskets by almost 30 percent. The center has even contemplated charging a small fee for these baskets. This raises a pertinent question: should the existence of food banks in Canada in 2023 be a matter of concern?

While "food security" has perpetually posed challenges for certain segments of our community, the fact remains that food banks lack government funding and rely entirely on donations from community partners and individuals. Consequently, the North has experienced an upsurge in demand, while donations have dwindled. At the Salvation Army food bank in Yellowknife, usage by single adults and households has surged by 51 percent and 49 percent, respectively, from May 2022 to May 2023. The number of children reliant on the food bank has skyrocketed by an alarming 72 percent. Concurrently, donations have declined significantly, forcing the Salvation Army to allocate over $160,000 towards purchasing food during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

In conclusion, it is crucial that we reflect upon whether food banks should still exist in Canada in 2023. The current state of affairs demands our immediate attention and proactive measures. "Food security" has transformed into a prevailing issue affecting diverse segments of our society, and it is imperative that we address the systemic causes underlying this persistent crisis. As we celebrate Thanksgiving I hope you have take the time to support your local foodbank.

This is my interpretation of a report done by Canadian Press on June 30, 2023