Food bank visits in Canada have reached a grim milestone, according to Food Banks Canada.
The HungerCount 2024 report shows more than two million visits to food banks in March.
That was an increase of six per cent over the previous year and a staggering 90 per cent compared to five years ago.
And the group says there are signs that the food-banking system is reaching its absolute limit.
Nearly 30 per cent of food banks across the country reported running out of food, according to the report.
“This unthinkable rate of growth is not something food banks, nor people in Canada, can sustain. The damage is done, and people need immediate supports to help them recover,” said Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada.
Prince Edward Island saw the highest year-over-year increase in usage at 29 per cent, followed by Nova Scotia at 21 per cent and British Columbia at 15 per cent.
Food bank usage climbed nearly 8.1 per cent in Ontario and 7.8 per cent in New Brunswick over the past year.
Foods Banks Canada said one-third of food bank clients are children, representing nearly 700,000 monthly visits in 2024.
Around 18 per cent of food bank clients are employed, compared to 12 per cent in 2019.
And nearly one-third of clients are newcomers who have been in Canada for 10 years or less.
The group also used its report to call for action on low incomes and the skyrocketing costs of living.
“Everyone must come to the table to solve this problem. We cannot do it alone and need help to drive change,” said Beardsley.
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