Community Events
Emergency help for struggling food banks
June 18, 2009
Dana Brown
The Hamilton Spectator
Food banks, already reeling from empty shelves, are facing a "triple-edged sword," says the executive director of Hamilton Food Share.
Joanne Santucci said the economic downturn, a "crushing" increase in people needing assistance and higher costs -- especially for staples -- have hit area food banks.
Usage hit a record level in March, with nearly 20,000 people needing help. That's a jump of 26.4 per cent compared to March 2008.
Some places are experiencing increases of 30 per cent over last year.
Yesterday, a city committee approved up to $186,430 in funds to help food banks get through the summer. The move still needs the approval of council.
"This is so basic, the food and shelter ... we must be there (for families)," Councillor Tom Jackson said.
According to a report by the Emergency Food Action Committee, of which Santucci is chair, the gap in summer supplies has been growing over the last four years.
Hamilton Food Share started collecting data in 2000.
In addition to rising food costs, a shrinking manufacturing base means former large contributors, such as CanGro Foods in Niagara, are gone.
The faltering economy hits emergency food programs because high unemployment leads to less discretionary spending for donors, combined with a greater need by users. That need is expected to rise until at least mid-summer.
The cash from the city is to be used to fund staff and buy food.
Santucci said if those problems are alleviated, it will let agencies re-direct energy to coming up with a longer term strategy.
City staff expect to have a long-term food poverty plan by the fall.
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dbrown@thespec.com
905-526-4629
