EDMONTON – A report released by the Edmonton Food Bank shows startling numbers about hunger in Edmonton.
Over the past six months, the Food Bank had between 15,000 and 16,000 users per month. That’s a 14 per cent increase over the past 18 months. The report also stated that two out of five food bank users are children.
Food Bank officials said the rise is due to rising costs and a stagnant economy.
(Read the full report below)
“People are paying 50 per cent or more on housing, which leads them very little for food and other fixed costs,” said Marjorie Bencz, executive director of the Food Bank.
WATCH: Edmonton Food Bank seeing record demand
For Sarah-Ann Timmerman, who helped the Food Bank write the report, the services the food bank provides are highly important.
“These individuals who are coming in to the Edmonton Food Bank, it’s not just about food to them,” said Timmerman.
“They need more help. Whether it’s housing services, employment services, or a variety of things.”
The Food Bank report was released in the middle of Hunger Awareness Week, organized by Food Banks Canada. The week is meant to raise awareness of hunger across the country. Food banks across Canada are holding events and releasing reports throughout the week.
Comments