Food banks in rural Ontario are seeing a surge in new clients, including those from dual-income families.
In Simcoe County, several organizations meant to help those in need have seen a record rate of visitors.
According to Sharing Place executive director Chris Peacock, the trend shows no slowing down.
“We are forecasting to continue to see an upward trend in individuals accessing our services without a shadow of a doubt,” Peacock told the outlet Simcoe.com
“There are individuals that have never thought that they would be walking through the door of a food bank. But we’re in a time that a lot of individuals are not able to afford what many would consider to be life subsidies.”
Last month, Canadians saw food prices spike by 9.1%, according to the latest inflation statistics.
In Tottenham, Our Town Food Bank president Susan Iacoucci has spotted a similar pattern.
“We even have dual income families coming to us now, which we’ve never had,” said Iacoucci.
“We are definitely seeing an increase in numbers again.”
Angus Food Bank president Heather Morgan noted that her organization has seen up to eight new families tapping into her services every single week.
“We are getting anywhere from three to eight new families a week consistently, probably since the fall,” said Morgan.
According to Morgan, the food bank is now helping up to 170 families per month, up from 60 to 80 in 2021.
Although supplies are steady for the time being, food bank organizations are urging those who can to consider donating to help their fellow citizens.
“We’re in a fortunate position where we can currently afford to continue the support that we’re providing for our member base,” said Peacock.
“But without the continued support from our community, we will not be able to do that.”
Food banks in metropolitan areas like the Greater Toronto Area have reported a similar trend.
