Kawartha Lakes Food Source Echoes Call for Immediate Relief
October 29, 2024
Food Banks Canada (FBC) released their annual Hunger Count report on October 28, sharing that the month of March 2024 alone saw over 2 million visits to food banks in Canada – the highest number in recorded history. The 2024 Hunger Count demonstrates the ways poverty is growing throughout Canada, with food bank usage being a clear indicator that Canadians are suffering due to circumstances beyond their control. At Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS), our data reveals the same patterns are happening locally, in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The 2024 Hunger Count shows that people in every region of the country are experiencing economic hardship and governments are failing to provide adequate, lasting, and immediate support for those that are experiencing poverty.
Overall, March 2024 saw a 6% increase in food bank use at KLFS, the same increase measured within the country as a whole. Both FBC’s Hunger Count and data collected at KLFS show that those relying on government support as their main source of income remain a key demographic of food bank users, proving these programs and benefits haven’t kept up with the cost of living. At KLFS, 60% of the households we serve rely on disability-related benefits, social assistance programs, or old age pension. Current government programs and benefits do not provide adequate support to Canadians, forcing them to spend most or more than their income each month on essentials, leaving nothing to set aside for emergencies or savings.
Also seen both locally and nationally are the increase in employed food bank users: between our 8-member food banks in 2024, almost 10% of households reported employment as their main source of income, compared to the 5% in 2023. On a national scale, the Hunger Count found 18% of food bank users in Canada were employed; the highest proportion of working folks turning to food banks ever reported. Those with low incomes are, not because of a lack of effort, left with no means of reversing the pull of falling deeper into poverty and more precarious situations.
In the City of Kawartha Lakes, the proportion of children relying on food banks is far greater than it is in Canada as a nation. Between our 9 members, children represent 48% of food bank users, while FBC’s Hunger Count only shows that children represent 33% of users in the country. Families with children are one of the demographics that are clearly in need of more significant government assistance. Food banks are an unofficial social support – they are only accessed when Canadians living in poverty cannot access government support or government support is inadequate.
As a member of Food Banks Canada, KLFS echoes their recommendations, provided below, to make lasting changes in rising poverty rates across Canada:
1. Fixing Canada’s broken social safety net:
As outlined by Food Banks Canada, there are 4 pillars that make up the Canadian income floor: seniors, families with children, people with disabilities, and single working-aged adults. Social assistance rates, programs for seniors, Canada Child Benefit payments for families with children, and disability-related benefits haven't kept up with cost of living, while programs for singles don't exist at all. The federal government should, among other long-term strategies, provide relief to those that are struggling today by immediately introducing a Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
Sign the petition using the link: https://foodbankscanada.ca/advocacy-government-relations/petition/
2. Resolving our housing crisis:
The housing crisis remains one of the largest issues faced by Canadians, both in terms of cost and accessibility due to the housing shortage. 2024 has only reached 16% of the year’s housing construction target so far, and it is clear renters especially need increased support. Housing should be addressed urgently, with far more decisive action being taken, and the government should consider implementing a national rent assistance program to provide immediate relief until affordability is restored.
3. Helping workers with low incomes make ends meet:
Considering this year holds the highest number of employed food bank users, the government should provide more financial support to those with low income until the cost of living aligns with wage growth. The Hunger Count also showed that unemployment rates were particularly low for recent immigrants, racialized people, and young Canadians. Among other strategies, EI should be reconsidered to increase eligibility and inclusivity, and better pathways for recent immigrants should be created to improve their economic outcomes.
4. Addressing northern and remote food insecurity and poverty:
Worsening climate conditions and rising costs of necessities like food, fuel, and housing are pushing individuals living in the territories further into poverty. The current Northern Residents Deduction should be reevaluated to ensure those with the lowest incomes receive the most support. Meanwhile, collaborations with various local groups and Indigenous communities/organizations should be created to strategically address issues related to social infrastructure and the environment.
KLFS encourages everyone to read Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Hunger Count to learn more about the ways hunger and poverty have impacted Canadians. Click the link to access the report: https://foodbankscanada.ca/hungercount/
To learn more about Kawartha Lakes Food Source and to donate online, visit our website: www.kawarthalakesfoodsource.com. You can also visit us in person, at 164 Needham St, Lindsay.
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About Kawartha Lakes Food Source
Kawartha Lakes Food Source is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to 35-member agencies supporting those that are hungry. With the help of our volunteers and other community members, we also work to raise awareness about food insecurity, deliver programs that increase food literary, and coordinate food drives and fundraisers.
Kawartha Lakes Food Source is located at 164 Needham St, Lindsay.
About Food Banks Canada
In collaboration with a supportive food bank network that spans coast-to-coast-to-coast, Food Banks Canada’s mission is to provide national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow.
As a national charitable organization, we are dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity by supporting a network of Provincial Associations; affiliate food banks; and food agencies that work at the community level to relieve hunger. Our work is focused on maximizing collective impact, strengthening local capacity, and reducing the demand for food banks until a day when they are no longer needed.