More Canadians now rely on food banks than at any other time in Canadian history. Are we at a breaking point?
Why It Matters
Twenty-two per cent of Canadians plan to access charitable services over the next six months โ up from 14 per cent last January โ just to meet basic needs, including food. Only systemic change can shift the burden โ but will change come before the breaking point?
A community fridge in Winnipegโs West End neighbourhood. (Photo: Shannon VanRaes)
This story is part of a special report on the effects of inflation on social purpose organizations and the communities they serve. Stay tuned for more reporting on this.ย
WINNIPEG – Empty, is the usual state of John Brookโs apartment kitchen in Winnipegโs West End neighbourhood.
โI try not to eat garbage, but I don’t have anything else to select from, not anything affordable anyways,โ says the 56-year-old, who relies on monthly hampers from a local food bank to make ends meet.ย
Brook would like to reduce the amount of carbohydrates he consumes and cut back on processed foods, particularly sugar and salt laden breads, but says he canโt afford to. Fruits and vegetables only enter his diet when his local grocer slaps a โ50 per cent
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