1 in 3 food banks, shelters forced to turn away people due to demand: survey
The federal government says it is reviewing the survey and said it will be responsive as Canadians navigate uncertainty in food costs.
A recent survey reveals that one in three food banks and shelters in Canada are forced to turn away individuals due to overwhelming demand, according to the State of Food Charity in Canada report. Conducted by the National Network of Non-Profits and Ipsos, the survey found that 89% of non-profits surveyed experienced an increase in demand for food in the past year, with 33% having waitlists and 35% having to turn people away.
Vivian Etuka, a representative from Bethel Outreach Community Services, expressed her concern over the situation, stating that having a waiting list breaks her heart. The survey reports an average of 878 people on waitlists among those organizations that had one, and an estimated 2 in 5 people turned away had to be refused over 50 times.
Jamie Seabrook, a researcher and professor in epidemiology and biostatistics, highlighted that the survey dispels the myth that those using food banks are primarily unemployed, with clients ranging from young to old and working to non-working. Second Harvest, which works with nearly 2,500 organizations across the country, urges action as Canada struggles with food insecurity, emphasizing that affordable housing and matching social assistance to rising prices take time.
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