Key Takeaways:
- Food insecurity has reached “very high” levels in the city and surrounding area, according to the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, as food prices have risen across the country.
- According to the food bank, 20,000 people came through the doors during the peak of the pandemic, and the number is now between 16 and 17,000 people.
- Last year, the initiative raised nearly $56,000, and over 19,000 pounds of food were donated to local food banks across the province, according to Loblaw.
According to the Saskatoon Food Bank as well as Learning Centre, food insecurity has reached “very high” levels in the city and surrounding area as food prices have risen across the country.
According to Deborah Hemp, director of operations and engagement at the food bank, inflation affects donors who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“We’ve seen an increase in our numbers over the last few months… that’s a huge concern for us,” Hemp told CTV News.
20,000 people came through the food bank doors during the pandemic’s peak, and the number is now between 16 and 17,000, according to the food bank.
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Hemp is concerned that people need their services “more than ever,”, especially as the spring and summer approach when children will be unable to participate in school breakfast and lunch programs.
“All citizens must step up and make a difference by doing what they can to support children and families in the community,” Hemp said.
“I believe it is fair to say that no one has been impacted more than those who are poor.”
According to the food bank, one out of every four children in Saskatchewan is poor.
Loblaw is holding a spring food drive from Friday to Easter weekend across the country to combat food insecurity, including in Saskatoon.
According to Loblaw, the initiative raised nearly $56,000 last year, and over 19,000 pounds of food were donated to local food banks across the province.
“Hunger and food insecurity know no calendar boundaries,” stated Tonya Lagrasta, senior director of sustainability, as well as social impacts at Loblaw. “Having a spring food drive is helpful for the individuals in the community who rely on food banks.”
Food, as well as cash donations, will be collected at the Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, No Frills, Wholesale Club, and Extra Foods in Saskatoon. The Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre will receive all of the items.
Non-perishable items, including peanut butter, pasta, tomato sauce, beans, breakfast cereal, juice, and anything else that can be stored in a hamper, can be donated, according to Hemp.
When families come by to pick up food to put on the table, she says they feel relieved.
“‘I might not know what I’m doing in a couple of weeks, but I know I can feed my family for the next two days, which helps alleviate the stress that people are experiencing.”
Source: CTV News
