42 per cent usage increase of Regina Food Bank | 24CA News
The variety of individuals coming via the Regina Food Bank’s doorways in search of their subsequent meal is on the rise.
According to the Regina Food Bank, utilization has elevated 42 per cent over the past 12 months.
“We had a really busy year which is never a great thing,” John Bailey, the Regina Food Bank CEO mentioned. “We’re seeing some definite effects of some economic pressures in our community.”
More kids are utilizing the meals financial institution, with 40 per cent of customers being kids.
Bailey mentioned the typical consumer can be coming again extra typically than ever earlier than.
“The average food bank user is now coming in 10 times a year, which is up quite a bit from previous years,” Bailey mentioned. “We’re seeing not only an increase in numbers, but an increase in the depth of usage of the food bank. And I think those are very telling signs for where we’re at as a community in terms of food security.”
Sask. NDP chief Carla Beck, mentioned elevated taxes and energy payments within the province are only a few elements persons are being compelled to spend their cash on, and is forcing troublesome selections at time for dinner.
“They’re using the food bank because if they don’t, they can’t pay their bills or they’re at risk of losing their house or they’re making decisions between a mortgage or power bill or what they’re putting on the table,” Beck mentioned.
Beck mentioned she has met with individuals who used to donate to the meals financial institution, however are now not in a position to with the price of dwelling.
“Someone said to me, ‘I used to be the one who donated. I used to be the one to give to charity, who was giving back. And I feel really bad about it, but I can’t right now. We’re barely getting by.”
The Government of Saskatchewan didn’t present a remark in regards to the Food Bank utilization particularly, however relatively affordability charges within the province.
“Saskatchewan offers one of the lowest utility bundles in the nation and is the most affordable province in Canada when considering taxes, utilities, and housing costs,” minister Donna Harpauer mentioned. “Inflationary pressures, together with an elevated value of dwelling, is pushed largely by exterior elements akin to federal rate of interest
In 2022-23, the Regina Food Bank served 55,224 households, a 9 per cent improve from the earlier 12 months.
Bailey mentioned he’s nervous for the way forward for the Food Bank and town, if numbers proceed to develop.
“If we continue to grow like this, where we’re sort of doubling the number of people we’re serving every three or four years, it will be it’s an unsustainable pace,” Bailey mentioned. “We’re not there yet, but we can’t continue to grow this way.”
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