Sask. sees largest food bank use increase

Saskatchewan residents are leaning on food banks more than ever.

The province saw the largest rise in the country with 19 percent more users over last year.

Of the nearly 27,000 people assisted monthly in Saskatchewan, 46 percent are children.

Provincially, food bank use has increased over 50 percent in the past six years.

“That seems out of place with all the discussion around the vibrant economy right now,” said Regina Food Bank CEO Steve Compton. “But on the flip side of that, there’s increased cost of living. I think it’s well documented that there’s been challenges in the stock affordability of housing and cost of living. It affects everyone.”

The Food Banks Canada study shows most provinces and territories are seeing more users, and they call it a “disturbing trend”.

Nationally, 90,000 Canadians per month are asking for help from food banks for the first time.

The Executive Director of Food Banks Canada, Katharine Schmidt, says its time for the federal government to stop blaming the recession, and introduce legislation.

“It has been six years since the recession sent food bank use soaring,” said Schmidt. “It is time to stop waiting for things to improve. It is time to start acting to make real investments in policies that will reduce the need for food banks.”

She’s calling for further investment in affordable housing, more low-income family supports, and better job skills training.