The cost of living crisis continues to push families to the limit
Inflation may have eased from its peak but is still causing major financial struggles for millions of Canadians, especially those on low incomes, and many have no choice but to turn to foodbanks for help.
A new report from Feed Ontario published today (December 2) shows that demand is so high in the province that foodbanks are having to reduce services to keep up with demand. Its 2024 Hunger Report reveals that more than 1 million Ontarians accessed foodbanks earlier in the year, up 25% year-over-year.
The figure has been rising for eight consecutive years and the data also shows that 2 in 5 visitors had never accessed a food bank before, an increase of 43% since 2019-20.
The report highlights three key reasons why people are seeking support from foodbanks:
- Unaffordable housing and living costs: As rents surge, the number of renters using foodbanks has surged 80% while there has been a 109% rise in the number of people who are experiencing some form of homelessness (unsheltered, emergency shelter, or provincially sheltered) over the last four years.
- Precarious employment and inadequate job opportunities: 1 in 4 food bank visitors are employed but 42% say they earn minimum wage or less and just 11% of surveyed food bank visitors have access to paid sick days.
- Failing social support programs: Almost 2 out of 3 food bank visitors are social assistance recipients. The financial support provided through Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) falls 66% and 53% respectively below the poverty line.
“People only turn to food banks after they’ve exhausted all other options – and yet over one million Ontarians still needed our help,” says Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario. “This is the highest number of people on record and is occurring at a time when donations are declining as more individuals can no longer afford to give. As a result, food banks are being stretched beyond their capacity and running out of resources at a time when people and families need them the most.”
Increased demand and weaker supply has forced 40% of foodbanks to cut services or the amount of food provided.
“Food banks are doing everything they can to keep their doors open and their shelves full, but when donors start turning into clients, an impossible situation starts to emerge,” says Stewart. “Food banks do not have the resources to adequately meet the level of need in our province. As a result, even with the help of food banks, people and families are going hungry.”
Feed Ontario is urging greater provincial government support to help people to work and find affordable housing.
