The number of Canadians relying on food banks is at an all-time high this year.
OSHaRE Executive Director Colleen Trask-Seaman agrees, saying “Specifically for OSHaRE, I can definitely say that we are seeing similar trends [to the national numbers]. We’re seeing new faces every day that are needing to access our services that have never accessed them before.”
A recent Foodbanks Canada report finds the number of Canadians relying on food banks across the country hit an all-time high earlier this year. High inflation was cited as a key factor.
The Salvation Army’s Family Services and Food Bank are also seeing an increase in usage similar to the national trend.
Last year around Thanksgiving, they served 600 clients, whereas this year brought in 800.
Director Alice Wannan says that they understand the need for help, as they also have seen a dramatic jump in their costs, saying “We have spent more purchasing food at our food bank here in Owen Sound in the last four months than we have spent total over the past ten years.”
Wannan also says that they have seen a shift in their demographics.
They’ve seen an increase in users who are seniors, as well as students.
She adds that families who used to do OK are now needing the food bank because of an increased cost of living where they used to be able to pay rent and feed themselves and their children are now struggling to make ends meet.
Wannan also says that with the upcoming holiday season, they know that it will be a very busy time for the Salvation Army.
Trask-Seaman says that OSHaRE is grateful for community support, “Thankfully we have a very generous community who support us, so that has helped us get through this period of increased need, but also I think the increased costs have been really huge for everyone.”
