Blog
Role of Food Banks
The role of food banks is to redistribute food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. They are a vital resource of many Canadians facing food security. In 2022, food banks across the country had served over 1.3 million people each month, demonstrating the growing need for emergency food assistance.
Most common foods that are given out are non-perishable and fresh. However, due to increasing demands for food at food banks, they eventually run out of supplies.
Food banks are a lifeline for so many people in our communities. More than just giving food, these organizations bring hope and encouragement to cut off any feeling of being left-out. This higher demand for the work that they do is unfortunately symptomatic of larger social problems such as increased living costs and an increasingly unequal economic field so their services would be more crucial than ever.
Most food banks have long shelves of canned goods, pasta and rice because these are non-perishable foods that last a long time. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with other food staples like dairy products and meat when available, provide recipients with nutritious options. Be that as it may, the shelves can rapidly clear out when less and fewer families ask for this help.
Cause of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity in Canada is a complex issue with multiple causes mainly being poverty and unemployment. Many Canadians struggle to afford basic necessities, including food, due to financial strain and high living costs. Even those who are employed may face food insecurity, as many jobs offer low wages and lack benefits. Furthermore, systemic issues such as discrimination and lack of access to education affect marginalized communities. Social assistance programs, while helpful, usually do not provide enough financial support to cover the high cost of living.
70% of households who rely on social assistance in Canada are food insecure. On the other hand, it also greatly affects a significant portion of the Canadian workforce. 60% of food-insecure households rely on wages and salaries as their main source of income. Families working low-wage jobs simply can’t earn enough to put good food on the table.
For some, the lack of a job is not their only problem; they also have to contend with wage stagnation and rising costs of living which means even if you work, securing your basic needs can still be an issue. Many low-wage workers may have less job security and benefits, so they often find themselves in the difficult position of choosing between paying their rent or utilities bills versus eating enough/too much. Numerous strains weigh heavily on these families—ranging from systemic impediments that block higher paying work opportunities or advanced education, continuing a cycle of poverty and food insecurity.
