The Community Food Sharing Association in St. John's distributes donated food to 56 charities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Food Banks Canada says demand is up 6 per cent this March over last year, and nearly double what it was five years ago, with two million visits per month across the country.Demand at the Bridges to Hope food bank is expected to surge 30 per cent this year compared to 2023. They're calling on the federal government for a groceries and essentials benefit to help people get by.
They also used to hand out one full cup of instant coffee. Now it's only three-quarters of a cup, says executive director Lesley Burgess. Burgess says the belt-tightening is because they expect to serve thousands more people this year compared to last. Food bank demand is nearly double what it was five years ago, according to the report, when about one million people visited a food bank during the month of March 2019.Richard Matern, director of research and communication for Food Banks Canada, says rising housing and rent prices and inflation have helped drive food bank use up in the past year.
Even more dire, this year's report says nearly 30 per cent of Canadian food banks themselves have run out of food. It also reports that nearly 70 per cent of food bank users live in market rental housing, while a third of clients are children.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
B.C. Conservatives Promise Consistent Funding for Food Banks and Community KitchensJohn Rustad, leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, announced a plan to provide consistent funding to food banks and community kitchens across the province. He cited the increasing demand for these services due to poverty and inflation.
Read more »
Community food banks bracing for deep cuts to supplies next yearA volunteer places products on shelves at the Kanata Food Cupboard, on Oct. 7, 2022, in Ottawa.
Read more »
Rotary Club of Brockville hosting annual Harvest Sharing Food Drive this weekendThe Rotary Club of Brockville has been hosting its annual Harvest Sharing Food Drive since Thursday evening, with donations supporting the Brockville and Area Food Bank.
Read more »
Food banks request financial support from Ottawa City Hall to address food insecurityThe Community Services Committee debated the city's new Poverty Reduction Strategy on Tuesday, outlining short-term actions for 2025-26. The five pillars for the strategy are: food security, employment, financial security, economic development, and integrated and simplified pathways.
Read more »
Fresh food market at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay aims to address food insecurityStudents are seen purchasing produce at the Lakehead Fresh Market at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont. The items are offered at a cheaper rate than at the grocery store, with the goal of making healthy eating more affordable.
Read more »
Free Drop-In Community Artmaking Sessions with Thinking Rock Community ArtsLooking for an inspired way to spend an afternoon? Join us Friday, October 18th from 2 pm to 4 pm, at the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site (800 Bay Street, Sault Ste.
Read more »