Niagara's food banks are rallying to raise their concerns over a rapidly growing need for support and assistance in the region.
In a joint statement, four major food banks in the region pleaded to upper levels of government on Thursday to provide help in the crisis that is impacting day-to-day life for vulnerable citizens and families experiencing hardship and are in need of support.
Betty-Lou Souter, CEO of Community Care St Catharines & Thorold said that over the last 14 months, her food bank saw a 37-percent increase in clients receiving food security from them and a 20 percent increase in client interactions through its Housing Help Program.
"The lack of affordable housing compounds the issue and many are becoming desperate and have given up hope. The mental health issues are intensified which puts added stress on everyone. Everyone should have the ability to live with dignity and purpose.” Souter commented on the issue.
The situation is similar in Welland, where The Hope Centre said it is experiencing 'significant increases' in those who need emergency food, including a 70 percent increase in visits between April 2020 and last months.
Concerning for Project SHARE in Niagara Falls is that the organization saw almost 600 new families coming to the organization for help for the first time since last year. SHARE said the increase could be attributed to the largely closed-down hospitality industry that the town relies on.
"We’ve seen some of our donors become clients, and unfortunately we anticipate this trend will continue for the foreseeable future,” said Pam Sharp, Executive Director, Project SHARE.
The story repeats in Lincoln, where Community Care West Niagara said they have seen a 23 percent increase in clients over the course of the pandemic.
“In working with Lincoln residents as they strive to restore balance and self-sufficiency, we have observed that almost 25 per cent have openly shared they never thought they would need to seek our services," said Executive Director Carole Fuhrer.
"The effects of the pandemic are measurable – and our sector is keenly aware that conditions will continue to deteriorate and we will be serving even more people in the months to come.”
All food banks are currently accepting non-perishable and monetary donations at this time.
