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One out of every three food bank visitors receives income support through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and/or Ontario Works (OW). The most that a single person on ODSP can receive is $1,308 per month, which amounts to less than $16,000 per year. Social assistance rates need to align with the true cost of living in our community.

76% of food bank visitors pay market rent, while only 11% access subsidized or social housing. The construction and repair of social and supportive housing need to be a priority in order for our neighbours to have enough money left over for food or other necessities after paying rent.

27% of food bank visitors report that their primary income is from full-time employment. If the provincial minimum wage remains so far below a living wage, those with steady employment from one or even multiple jobs will continue to be dependent on the food bank to balance their budgets.

Our neighbours who have experience living in poverty are the experts on the realities of the challenges they face. It is crucial that their perspectives and insights are used to guide decision-making processes and strategy development of poverty reduction initiatives.