With an increase in individuals seeking assistance from food banks in Newfoundland and Labrador, a key organizer is optimistic that the incoming Progressive Conservative administration will promptly address the escalating issue.
Recent data from Food Banks Canada’s annual HungerCount report reveals a national doubling of food bank utilization since 2019, with approximately 2.2 million Canadians resorting to food banks in March alone. In Newfoundland and Labrador, there has been a 44% surge in food bank usage over the past six years and an additional 8% increase in the last year.
Tina Bishop, the general manager of the Community Food Sharing Association, emphasized the continuous influx of new clients at food banks across the province. She stressed the importance of raising awareness and urged government officials to acknowledge the critical nature of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
Bishop advocated for an increase in income support to keep pace with inflation, noting that around 20% of food bank clients are employed but still struggle to meet their basic needs.
Highlighting the significance of addressing hunger for a prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador, Bishop expressed her desire to engage with the incoming PC government to discuss potential solutions, such as enhanced income support and rent control.
According to the Food Banks Canada report, approximately 15,000 individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador sought aid from food banks this year, with one-third of them being children.
Bishop underscored the worrisome implications of any rise in food bank usage, indicating that it signifies a failure of social programs to adequately support the population.
She attributed the surge in demand to various factors, including the inadequacy of social programs in keeping pace with inflation and the increased housing costs, which make it challenging for people to afford both food and rent expenses.
As fixed expenses continue to rise, Bishop emphasized the dilemma individuals face in prioritizing their budget, leading to food insecurity in the province.
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The Community Food Sharing Association oversees 60 food banks in Newfoundland and Labrador, where operators are struggling to cope with the rising demand amid declining donations.
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