Opposition leader says the Stephenville food bank was forced to reduce hamper sizes just to stay operational

    Friday, 1 November 2024 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    According to new data released by Food Banks Canada, food bank visits have risen by 50 per cent since 2021, and 30 percent of Canadian food banks have run out of food.

    The leader of the opposition, Tony Wakeham, is calling for urgent action to address Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing food insecurity crisis, as food banks across the province are forced to cut back amid soaring demand and inflationary pressures. Wakeham says “Due to rising costs and increased demand, the Stephenville food bank was forced to reduce hamper sizes just to stay operational, highlighting a dire situation. " He says food banks across the province are speaking out about the surging need and their struggle to keep up. Staff and volunteers are being forced to cut back on what they provide to those in need. According to new data released by Food Banks Canada, food bank visits have risen by 50 per cent since 2021, and 30 percent of Canadian food banks have run out of food. The Seniors’ Advocate reported last fall that 32 percent of seniors did not have enough income to meet their financial needs.ch further burden struggling families and food banks.

     

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