Nearly 2.9 million households are asking for assistance each month, according to Food Banks of Quebec — one million more than just three years ago.
Food banks across Quebec are receiving one million more requests per month compared with 2021, the Moisson Montréal charity announced Monday morning.
Nearly 2.9 million households are asking for assistance each month, according to Food Banks of Quebec, reflecting a 13-per-cent rise in one year.
Véronique Beaulieu-Fowler, Food Banks of Quebec’s philanthropy director, says the rising number of requests reflects the cost-of-living crisis.
“The cost of housing is at an all-time high; the cost of everything is really high. That’s the main concern,” Beaulieu-Fowler said in an interview. “Salaries and social transfers haven’t followed the same speed that inflation has.”
With food banks struggling to meet the record demand — and one-third of food banks across the island of Montreal having to turn down requests — the provincial government has allocated an additional $40 million toward Food Banks of Quebec over the next two years.
Additionally, Moisson Montréal, a member of Food Banks of Quebec, will give at least 40 grants of up to $40,000 toward initiatives that fight food insecurity.
“In response to this alarming situation and as part of our 40th anniversary, we are launching an exceptional grant program to strengthen the ability of our agencies to act on the ground,” said Chantal Vézina, Moisson Montréal’s executive director.
The grants will go toward kitchen installations, vehicles, refrigeration equipment, consulting services and other initiatives.
“We have recognized the state of emergency. Now we must act to help the most vulnerable and reverse the trend we are facing,” said Martin Munger, Food Banks of Quebec’s executive director.
Beaulieu-Fowler says the rise in the number of employed people relying on food banks is concerning, and the demand across all indicators is growing. About 20 per cent of Quebec food bank beneficiaries are employed, 35 per cent are children and 82 per cent are renters.
Moisson Montréal notes that any action toward fighting food insecurity helps, no matter how modest. As the holiday season approaches, the organization reminds everyone that food needs are increasing significantly.
“Donations are essential. It is together that we can ensure that everyone has access to essential resources during this festive period,” Vézina said.