“Unfortunately, we’re seeing families with double incomes having to access food banks right now,” says Food Banks of Saskatchewan executive director Michael Kincade.
Food Banks across the province are strained more than ever while serving tens of thousands of people every month, and it’s keeping Michael Kincade up at night.
“I think it keeps a lot of people up with me,” the executive director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan said Thursday. “I guarantee you know somebody (in need). One of your friends, one of your family members, your neighbour — they’re using the food bank.”
Kincade can rest a little easier after the province announced Thursday it will be giving $2 million to Saskatchewan food banks. Half was promised for this year and is to be split between 36 locations, contingent on population and need. The other $1 million is allotted for 2025, pending budget approval.
“This investment will help (Saskatchewan food banks) in these difficult, inflationary times to help meet the needs of individuals in our province,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said during a press conference at the Regina Food Bank.
“Thankfully, we have some of the lowest costs of living in the nation, but we know there are challenges,” continued Makowsky, adding that the funding is the “first of its kind.”
“All across the province the need is growing,” said Kincade. “At this time of the year, supplies are down, donations are down and donors have less disposable income.”
Moose Jaw’s food bank will be granted $40,000 in new provincial funding this year. Regina will see $260,000.
Makowsky said the financial aid is not specific to the “stressful situation” in Moose Jaw, adding that work was already underway to secure funding for Saskatchewan food banks.
Over 44,000 people in Saskatchewan access food banks every month. Of those, 40 per cent are children and youths, which is higher than the national average of 33 per cent.
A 2023-2024 annual report from Regina Food Bank says usage has increased 76 per cent in the last five years.
“Nobody likes to admit it, but it’s happening,” added Kincade. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing families with double incomes having to access food banks right now.”
According to Food Banks Canada, households with children have been more likely to experience food insecurity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Kincade alluded, the data also points to an increase in two-parent households with children under the age of 18 who are accessing food banks across the country.
“Food bankers mentioned that families with children are struggling with the combination of high housing, food and fuel costs in addition to the costs of child care and other child-specific needs,” said a statement from Food Banks Canada. “Those struggling include many recent newcomers who are employed but are not receiving enough hours to make ends meet or are in precarious employment.”
According to a financial report from 2023, the Regina Food Bank spent over $700,000 on food distribution and purchases, feeding nearly 20,000 people.
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