Lethbridge food banks are struggling to cope with increased demand.

LETHBRIDGE –

Food Banks Canada’s annual hunger count report shows more Canadians than ever are turning to food banks for help.

In March 2024, more than two million Canadians used a food bank.

This is six percent more than last year’s record and double the number of users in 2019.

The main driver of this growth is rising food prices.

Families with children are especially hard hit.

“This is actually one of the demographics that is seeing significant growth because pre-pandemic it was households with children. So we’re seeing over 700,000 visits, or almost 700,000 visits from children. And that’s significantly higher than what we were seeing pre-pandemic,” said Richard Matherne, director of research at Food Banks Canada.

Local food banks are seeing a similar increase in demand.

In September, the Lethbridge Food Bank distributed 871 hampers, nearly 300 more than the same month in 2023.

“We can’t seem to keep food on our warehouse shelves. As soon as they come, they’re almost out the front door,” said Denille Tizzard, Lethbridge Food Bank program and volunteer coordinator.

“For now, we can still provide enough food for our baskets and for the front of the house where people can come and pick up their groceries.”

It’s not just state food banks feeling the pressure.

Use of the University of Lethbridge student food bank has increased dramatically in recent years.

“We have been given out 115 hampers since September. And we also see an average of 40 students a day in our grocery store,” said Malika Thomas, president of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union.

Many food banks are calling for immediate action to address the affordability crisis.

They say programs designed to help low-income Canadians are no longer enough.

“We need action on behalf of all levels of government, No. 1, to curb the affordability crisis and address the issues that are pressing right now, as well as having long-term sustainable solutions such as improving income support, which we all “I know they’re not suitable for.” for families who are struggling to put enough food on the table,” said Danielle McIntyre, executive director of the Lethbridge Interfaith Food Bank.