Food banks across Canada are begging to be put out of business
Food banks across Canada are facing a crisis as the demand for their services continues to surge. A recent report by Food Banks Canada revealed that there were over two million visits to Canadian food banks in March 2024 alone, marking a six percent increase from the previous year and a staggering 90 percent increase from 2019. The report also highlighted that more than 12,000 new individuals are turning to food banks monthly, with over 50 percent of them being employed full-time and over 60 percent having a post-secondary education.
As the need for food banks grows, many organizations are advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of food insecurity. One such campaign, “Put Food Banks Out of Business,” launched by the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, is urging Canadians to not only donate to food banks but also reach out to their local members of Parliament to push for the implementation of a basic income to lift people out of poverty.
Josh Smee, CEO of Food First NL, envisions a future where food banks are no longer necessary because people have access to essential resources. He emphasized the importance of using our voices to advocate for policy change rather than relying solely on emergency aid. Smee believes that while food banks may still have a role in providing temporary assistance, the ultimate goal should be to eliminate the need for their existence altogether.
Despite the push to put food banks out of business, Smee acknowledges that these organizations still rely on the generosity of donors to meet the immediate needs of those experiencing food insecurity. He encourages donors to not only contribute to food banks but also engage with lawmakers to push for long-term solutions like basic income.
The growing crisis facing food banks has sparked frustration among those on the front lines, with many feeling that policymakers are not adequately addressing the issue. Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga, expressed her frustration with the lack of action from elected officials, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address the root causes of food insecurity.
In the face of these challenges, organizations like Food First NL and the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank are continuing to advocate for policy change and systemic solutions to address food insecurity at its core. While the road to a Canada without food banks may be long, the commitment to creating a future where everyone has access to nutritious food remains steadfast.
