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Hit with a double whammy: Less giving, greater demand

The province's food banks have been hit doubly hard by the economic downturn, with a growing demand coming at the same time as a decline in donations, says a new report from the Ontario Association of Food Banks.

"It will be our most difficult fall since our operations began in Ontario," the report states. "We are now facing the full force of a terrible economic storm that has settled over us for the foreseeable future."

The report, "In the Midst of the Storm," outlines how rising food prices and higher unemployment, occurring at a time when individuals and corporations are proving less likely to give, are putting "tremendous pressure" on Ontario's food banks as they prepare for the winter holidays.

At Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank, donations have remained steady, but are not keeping pace with the increased demand, said executive director Gail Nyberg.

The number of people using the food bank has increased by 8 per cent over last year.

Nyberg said if the Thanksgiving drive is not successful, the food bank may have to reduce the amount of food they give out to each client in order to better share the available supply.

Nyberg said two-thirds of all food and money raised by the food bank comes between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, so this is a crucial time.

"If this remains flat, it'll have expectations on Christmas that will be even harder to meet."

Meanwhile, Oshawa residents hit hard by GM cutbacks are turning to food banks in droves. As effects of the recession deepen, the Salvation Army's food programs in Durham Region are seeing increases of 25 per cent. About a third of those turning to the charity are first-time users.

"It's obviously a very humbling experience," said Salvation Army spokesman John Murray. "These are people that would never have walked into our doors before."

Donations to the Salvation Army's food centres are down 40 per cent, with a rise in demand of about 10 per cent.

Financial donations for the Daily Bread Food Bank can be made at www.dailybread.ca or by calling 416-203-0050. Food donations can be dropped off at any fire station or Metro grocery store in the GTA.

The Salvation Army in Oshawa can be reached at 905-723-7422.

Toronto Star
Brendan Kennedy
October 12, 2009

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