The usage of food banks in Ontario has reached an eight-year high, with over 1,000,000 Ontarians visiting a food bank at least once between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. This represents a 25% increase from the previous year, with Feed Ontario, a food bank network in the province, highlighting the increasing struggle many residents are facing. The main drivers of food insecurity in the province are the cost of living and heightened economic vulnerability, which have been exacerbated by policy decisions such as the erosion of social support programs, lack of investment in affordable housing, and growth of precarious work. This pressure has led to concerns within food banks, with 69% worried about not having enough food to meet demand and 53% concerned about funding.
The report also revealed that this is the eighth consecutive year food bank use has risen in Ontario, with a total of 7,689,580 visits between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. This represents a 31% increase from the previous year and a significant 134% increase from 2019-2020. Feed Ontario emphasized that food banks are struggling to keep up with the unprecedented need they are seeing, with reports of long lines, empty shelves, and concerns that some food banks may have to close their doors. As more people struggle to make ends meet, there is a decrease in donations and support for food banks, further complicating the situation.
In a report released by Food Banks Canada, it was suggested that the number of Canadians living in poverty may be higher than previously thought, with an estimated 25% of Canadians unable to afford two or more household essentials. Feed Ontario is calling on the Ford government to develop a new poverty reduction strategy to ensure that those who are struggling can access a basic standard of living. Additionally, Feed Ontario is encouraging all Ontarians to get involved in Hunger Action Month in September, by supporting their local food banks and advocating for policy changes. The organization stresses that food banks were never meant to be a long-term solution and that action needs to be taken to strengthen social safety nets and address the root causes of food insecurity.
The ongoing increase in food bank usage in Ontario highlights the growing issue of food insecurity in the province, with many residents struggling to afford basic necessities. The cost of living, economic vulnerability, and policy decisions have all contributed to the rise in food bank usage, putting pressure on these organizations to meet the rising demand for food assistance. As food banks face challenges in keeping up with the need for their services, there is a call for government action to address poverty and support those in need. The importance of community support and advocacy is also emphasized, with organizations like Feed Ontario calling on Ontarians to take action and work towards long-term solutions to food insecurity.
