Commentary

Summer Slump: Food Banks See Higher Need, Fewer Donations

July 23, 2021 | Marie Versteeg

In the early months of the pandemic, there was a 26% increase in first-time recipients at Ontario food banks. Food bank use, already on the rise before the pandemic, grew dramatically in 2020.

More than a year later, there aren’t any signs that the need for food banks will decrease. As government programs begin to wind down, many experts fear that Canada will see a dramatic increase in bankruptcies, which will have spiralling effects. Food banks across the province are bracing for greater numbers, as more and more families face precarity. Already, it’s estimated that children make up almost 35 per cent of food bank recipients.

Ontarians, including farmers, stepped up to support their communities at the beginning of the pandemic. Agricultural organizations have been among those dedicating food and resources to food banks. Several commodity groups have standing donation programs through Feed Ontario, an organization that provides fresh food and staples to food banks. Efforts were ramped up in 2020 and many commodity groups are continuing their work using creative, community-building ways to support food banks.

For example, during the week of June 14, Turkey Farmers of Ontario matched every $20 donation to Feed Ontario, up to $10,000 in turkey donations to food banks. Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) recently launched their Feeding the Frontline campaign for CFO members to nominate a frontline worker. Winners will receive a free chicken dinner and a donation of chicken to the food bank of their choice (closing July 23).

While many are struggling, others have found they have more opportunity to give. A number of CFFO districts found savings as a result of restricted activities in 2020. Several decided to dedicate funds to local food banks.

Food banks usually see a slump in donations during the summer, but this year is especially challenging. One third of low- and middle-income families struggle to give their children enough food during the summer break. Families that usually rely on school meal programs are especially strained this year because they’ve already struggled through school closures. It’s shocking that this season of bounty is also the season that food banks struggle most to fill shelves.

Ontarians have already demonstrated tremendous generosity, but we’re still needed. Please consider donating to your local food bank this summer.

The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKXS Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and CHLP Listowel.