Food Banks Canada is calling on the Canadian federal government to introduce a Groceries and Essentials Benefit designed to help households struggling to afford living costs, like rent and groceries, by adjusting the GST/HST credit.
Urgent interventions are needed to address Canada’s growing food insecurity crisis as highlighted in Food Banks Canada’s recent findings on the alarming realities of Canadians. Food banks across Canada are bracing for a tidal wave of increased demand this fall. Food Banks Mississauga has already been experiencing this growing need, serving over 56,000 neighbours in need across our network of 60+ agency members. This is a 58% increase from the previous year.
Newly released Food Banks Canada poll of 1,500 Canadians conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights confirms:
- More than a third of people in Canada (35%) feel worse off financially than they did 3 months ago.
- Among those who report their financial well-being has worsened over the past three months:
- Almost half of all those with incomes below $50,000 a year (47%)
- 43% of people who identify as visible minorities
- 42% of Millennials
- These new findings coupled with recent research from Statistic Canada paint a bleak picture as the food banking network was never meant to be able to support a quarter of people in Canada.
- Soaring food bank visits and new Statistics Canada data that shows how many Canadians are struggling to afford groceries and rent, underscores the urgent need for action from all levels of government.
“If the newest StatsCan projections come true, the food bank system will not be able to support the tidal wave of people needing support,” shared Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada. “The food banking network was never meant to be able to support a quarter of people in Canada. It is a frightening scenario laid out by StatsCan, for so many people struggling to make ends meet, one that needs urgent attention from governments across the country.”
In solidarity, Food Banks Mississauga advocates for policies to decrease poverty, the root cause of food insecurity. By engaging with all levels of government, we share the urgent needs of our community and push for solutions where our neighbours can be food-secure and live poverty-free.
Join the Call for Change by supporting the introduction of a Groceries and Essentials Benefit to stop Canada’s growing food insecurity crisis and make sure that every person in Canada can afford their basic needs. We need immediate action from the government today, we cannot wait any longer. Visit foodbankscanada.ca to learn more.
