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HB NEWS FOOD BANKS SEEING USE RISE FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR “a " a Continued from page 3 accessed a food bank for the first tim: “What's fo banks in Ontario v were vis- ited more than 4.3 million times, and that's an in- crease of 42 per cent over 2019," said Andrea Waters, spokesperson for Feed On- tario. Kim Wilhelm, interim CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, says such increases are unsustain- ie. During the past fiscal year, the local network of service providers saw 32,228 unique individuals access programs 14p cent increase over the wre. vious year. “This year, we're seeing a 28 per cent increase in unique individuals access- ing these services and a 70 per cent increase in new households," Wilhelm said. Many outlying areas of the community are also seeing spikes in service de- mand. The Wilmot Family Resource Centre distribut- ed more than 2,000 ham- pers between January and September, a 44 per cent in- crease over 2021. McLeod noted a marked increases of older adults on fixed incomes using the Cambridge Self Help Food Bank's mobile market that started one year ago this past July, with about 60 customers a week. This past summer, there were nearly 600 People out ona weekly basi “Food. panics are becom- ing increasingly relied on Bill Jackson/Metroland Left: The Food Bank of Waterloo Region's 31,000-square-foot facility. Right: Kim Wilhelm is the interim CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. to fill the gaps," said Wa- ters, who, along with other advocates, are bracing for demand to be the busiest yet in 2023. Canada's Food Price Re- port 2023, a cross-country annual study carried out by various post-secondary institutions including the University of Guelph, pre- i will in- cent next year, leading to Canadian families to pay an extra $1,000 or more on feeding themselves. According to a recent survey of food bank visi- tors by Feed Ontario, about two-thirds of respondents have less than $100 amonth left aying housing and utilities. Among numerous rec- ommendations included in its report, Feed Ontario is calling on government to gouble support provided ugh the province's so- Gal assistance programs, as well as extend protec- sion Plan. “Ontario's labour mar- ket has shifted from well- paying, unionized jobs to ‘hose intended tobe art time, temporary and low paying. In fact, one in 10 workers in Ontar: day i is now in the gig ect sait aide i Theyite the Si dards vie as ce the Dish- s arivers and Instacart tions provided under the art of Employment Standards ie reason cr food banks ct, Insur- increase of 47 ance and the Canada Pen- per cent of employed peo- Kim Wilhelm photo “We're joining in Feed Ontario's call for improved access to social services and programs to help relieve the pressure of living costs for our region's most vulnerable residents." - Kim Wilhelm, Food Bank of Waterloo Region ple visiting food banks since before the pandem- * Wilhe 1m says everyone can agree that food banks and food assistance pro- grams shouldn't be a per- manent solution to food in- security and poverty. le're joining in Feed Ontario's call for improved access to social services and programs help re- lieve the ors of ‘living costs for our re; vulnerable residents," she sai “The only solutions to these complex problems lie ‘ood public health loo Regi access sufficient through ment and support pro- grams that adequately as- sist people when they're unable to work." STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Feed Ontario presented its annual Hun- ger Report at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and the Chronicle attended to learn more. seo eat 534 Hespeler Rd. CAMBRIDGE “519-741-1233 519-624-9220 BOOK YOUR EYEEXAM 3 with us and receive 1 FREE ANTI-GLARE COATING 1) « Eye Glasses ¢ Prescription Ia on anew CALL FOR APPOINTMENT ( Free coating $75 value!) ¢ Contact Lenses WE DIRECT BILL! See store for details i i 3 : 8