As families across York Region prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, for some, the traditional holiday meal may be a meagre one.
Food insecurity has been rising significantly in Ontario, due to skyrocketing inflation, food price hikes, and the lack of affordable housing, the Food Bank of York Region stated in a news release.
A recent report on household food insecurity by Public Health Ontario estimated the number of people experiencing food insecurity in York Region grew by four per cent in 2022, representing more than 15,600 households.
This trend of rising food insecurity has shown no signs of slowing in 2023. As a result of the pressure placed on individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, food bank usage has continued to increase.
The Food Bank of York Region, which serves as the region’s food distribution hub for a network of 80 food pantries, including the Newmarket Food Pantry, and schools, has experienced a significant increase in demand for food assistance.
“The hike in demand for food assistance that began with COVID in 2020 has continued in the region, resulting in a 50 per cent increase in the food we have distributed in the past year,” said Alex Bilotta, Food Bank of York Region founder and CEO. “So far this year, we have delivered food for nearly three million meals, as we continue to grow our services to meet the need.”
The Food Bank of York Region is appealing to businesses and to York Region residents to help to provide food for members of the community who are having to skip meals or skimp on food. Volunteers are welcome, as individuals or corporate teams, as well as food drives and fundraisers.
For information on how to make a donation, launch a food drive or fundraiser, or to co-ordinate a corporate volunteer day, visit www.fbyr.ca.
