Key Takeaways:
- The cost of living continues to rise, increasing the demand for food bank services in Greener Village.
- Boyd argues that while demand is increasing, donations are not keeping up. He claimed that the organization had stepped in and purchased many goods.
- According to Statistics Canada, consumers paid 9.7% more for food in stores in April than a year ago, the largest increase since September 1981.
The cost of living continues to climb, resulting in an increased need for food bank services in locations like Greener Village.
Greener Village, a food bank on Fredericton’s north side, claimed May was the biggest month in its history, with more than $220,000 in food assistance distributed.
“In May alone, we assisted almost 1,400 families.” In an interview on Friday, Boyd added, “That’s around 4,000 who received food resources from us.”
“You understand, there were a lot of families that were barely scraping by, and now that expenditures are rising so quickly, they can’t keep up.”
He claims that many folks who were previously able to make ends meet are now unable to do so. In May, almost 11% of Greener Village’s clients were new to the organization and its services.
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“We always see some new families and some family members dropping away as they no longer need us for different reasons,” Boyd said. “But in May, we can kind of see a lot of new families and all our previous families continuing to come because the condition is becoming very challenging for people who are trying to meet the rising cost of energy, lodging, and food costs that are all climbing at the same time.”
“As a result, it’s a difficult situation for those struggling.”
The supply issue is the next hurdle to overcome.
While demand is growing, Boyd believes that donations aren’t keeping pace. He said that the group had stepped in and made large purchases of some items.
“That food hamper only holds approximately a week’s worth of food, but not having to worry about food for that week can make all the difference,” he said.
He added individuals should have faith in the organization’s ability to provide them with the food they require and also should not be afraid to ask for assistance.
“Don’t go hungry; we’re here to assist you,” he remarked. “There is no reason for anyone in our community to go hungry.”
However, Greener Village’s condition isn’t unusual.
According to Stephane Sirois, executive director of the New Brunswick Food Depot, food banks report a 30 percent spike in demand.
In an interview with Zoom on Friday, he added, “Some food banks have seen more, some have seen less, but certainly over 30% on average.”
He believes that, given the current state of the economy and the energy sector, the number will continue to rise.
“With everything going on right now, it’s a perfect storm,” he remarked. “It’s a hardship if you’re on a low or middle salary.” It comes from all directions if you have children or a family.”
According to Statistics Canada, consumers paid 9.7% more for food in stores in April than a year ago, the highest increase since September 1981.
According to Sirois, many places, including food banks, are still attempting to repair the impact COVID-19 has had on the supply chain. He claims that some meals and supplies, such as morning cereal, are still difficult to come by.
He, too, believes that individuals should reach out for assistance if they require it.
“Reach out to me.” “Do not be afraid to reach out,” he said.
Source: Global News
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