Ottawa Food Bank experiencing highest usage in 38 years
Posted May 3, 2022 08:50:00 PM.
The Ottawa Food Bank is experiencing the highest levels of usage the organization has encountered in the 38 years it has been serving the community.
According to Rachael Wilson, the chief executive officer of the Ottawa Food Bank, approximately 52,000 residents accessed the Ottawa Food Bank in March 2022, compared to a monthly average of 39,000 people before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So that is a 20 per cent increase in last year alone but we're seeing a 39 per cent increase overall,” Wilson told The Sam Laprade Show with guest host Derick Fage on Tuesday, May 3. “Those numbers, unfortunately, we think will continue to rise in the months to come.”
She adds food insecurity in Ottawa isn't an issue relating to the lack of food supply, but rather the lack of adequate income.
“Sixty per cent of the people that we work with and that we support are on social assistance and those rates have not changed in the last couple years, and they have certainly haven't kept pace with the cost of inflation since September,” Wilson explained.
The remainder of food bank users are employed, but Wilson says do not make sufficient income to make ends meet.
In order to achieve food security, Wilson feels there needs to be more commitment and predictable support from all levels of government.
“There is a critical need for government intervention,” she said. “Legislated poverty can end by making housing affordable, ensuring social supports keep pace with the cost of living, and providing decent jobs for all.”
Wilson adds the Ottawa Food Bank is primarily donor-funded, and regular monthly contributions will allow the organization to know exactly which supports are available ahead of time.
Listen to the full interview with Rachael Wilson below:
