| Thank you for being a strong supporter of Food Banks Canada. Today, we are proud to share that HungerCount 2019 has been released. HungerCount provides a snapshot of food bank use in Canada, as well as insights to what is happening on the ground. It is also action- oriented, providing information to support policy change. Read the Report Now.Despite a good economy, people still need food banks and more needs to be done.It’s been a tough year for many who struggle with hunger and we’re fearful of what’s ahead, especially for crucial segments of our communities. Despite a good economy, we’re still seeing more than a million visits to food banks across Canada every single month. Some of the most vulnerable are being left behind – including people with disabilities and seniors who are both on fixed incomes and are most vulnerable to rising food and housing prices.In fact, we’ve hit a record high in terms of the rate of food bank use by single person households. This stat is driven by people with disabilities who face added challenges finding work. Without employment, they’re forced to rely on social assistance that has failed to keep up with rising costs of living, leaving them living well under the current poverty threshold.The rising cost of living is no longer just an urban issue. It’s affecting those in smaller towns and rural areas where people are now struggling to feed themselves.HungerCount 2019 highlights that our current social safety net clearly has huge holes in it. It’s not equipped to handle a changing labour market nor rapidly rising costs of living.How can I help?If you’re concerned about hunger in Canada, here’s how you can help:Contact your local food bank to donate funds, food, and timeAct as personal advocates for the implementation of our policy recommendationsSpread the word in your community and amongst your family and friends in person and on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #HungerCount2019 |
