A coalition of hunger relief organizations in Ontario says 2022 marked the sixth straight year that food banks in the province saw an increase in users and visits.
Feed Ontario says in its most recent annual report that the troubling trend appeared to escalate during the most recent year on record.
It’s no different at the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank, confirms general manager Karen McDade.
Feed Ontario says 587-thousand adults and children visited the province’s food banks a total of 4.3-million times between April 1st, 2021, and March 31st, 2022.
And that increase in demand has resulted in a change in policy at the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank, explains general manager Karen McDade.
McDade adds there are some weeks where the local food bank is helping to feed 400 to 500 people.
And that used to be the monthly total, she notes.
On the positive side, food and monetary donations are remaining steady.
Thanks to a quota system with various producer groups, the food bank is able to keep shelves fairly well stocked.
McDade appreciates the support from local grocery stores who supply food items instead of throwing them out due to best before dates.
She reminds there are numerous other resources available to people in St. Thomas.
McDade notes in a recent week, seven new clients approached the food bank.
The food bank started out as The Caring Cupboard in 1986.
Written by Ian McCallum
