The recently released Food Banks Canada 2024 Poverty Report Card gave Saskatchewan an overall grade of D-. The report highlighted that people in Saskatchewan are struggling to keep up with the cost of living and are not receiving the necessary support from the government. The poverty rate in Saskatchewan was 11.1 percent, slightly higher than the national rate of 9.9 percent. The price of goods and services in the province increased by 2.7 percent between December 2022 and December 2023, with food prices rising by 4.8 percent. Despite the food inflation rate being lower than the national average, 35 percent of people in Saskatchewan worry about feeding themselves or their families compared to 29 percent nationally.
John Bailey, CEO of the Regina Food Bank, stated that there is room for improvement in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Saskatchewan. He emphasized the need for policy decisions at all levels of government to ensure that basic needs, such as access to food, are met. The report card also highlighted an “F” grade for food insecurity rate and legislative progress in Saskatchewan. The recommendations included updating and modernizing the 2016 Poverty Reduction Strategy and enhancing support programs in the province to better assist those in need.
The report’s findings point to the urgent need for action in Saskatchewan to address the growing challenges of poverty and food insecurity. Bailey stressed the importance of implementing actionable solutions, such as addressing the cost of living, improving access to housing, and supporting individuals on income assistance. Despite the opportunities for improvement, the report card’s D- grade reflects the current lack of progress in addressing poverty and food insecurity in the province.
Without taking immediate action, Saskatchewan risks failing to address the needs of its most vulnerable populations and falling behind in poverty reduction efforts. The province must prioritize updating its Poverty Reduction Strategy and enhancing support programs to ensure that all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. The report card serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders in Saskatchewan to work together to address the pressing issues of poverty and food insecurity affecting the province’s residents.
In conclusion, the Food Banks Canada 2024 Poverty Report Card highlights the challenges faced by Saskatchewan in addressing poverty and food insecurity. The province received a D- grade, indicating the need for urgent action to support vulnerable populations and improve access to essential resources. By implementing policy changes, addressing the cost of living, and enhancing support programs, Saskatchewan can work towards reducing poverty and food insecurity for all residents. It is crucial for the government and community partners to collaborate to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those in need.
