BY: CHARLIE FAIRBANK

The cost of living crisis is evident in the sharp rise of people using food banks, including the North York Harvest Food Bank. Demand has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, leaving many food banks struggling. Chiara Padovani, Senior Manager of Communications and Advocacy, noted, “We’re at a tipping point which is not sustainable. We need to be committed to solving the root causes that lead to poverty.”

High living costs often force people to cut their food budgets, as rent must be paid in full each month. Increasingly, fully or part-time employed individuals are using food banks, highlighting that wages have not kept up with the cost of living. One-quarter of those using food banks are children.

North York Harvest Food Bank advocates for long-term solutions, including rent control for buildings constructed after 2018 and vacancy control to prevent landlords from significantly raising rent for new tenants. They also suggest raising the rates of Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program, which have been frozen since 2018 and have not kept up with inflation. These changes would require provincial legislation.

“North York Harvest Food Bank is working very hard to keep up with demand and thanks our volunteers, donors, supporters, and community members,” said Padovani. “We also encourage those who work with us to get involved in advocacy that addresses the root causes of food insecurity.”

North York Harvest Food Bank also releases Who’s Hungry Reports in collaboration with the Daily Bread Food Bank detailing Toronto’s food security situation each year. Readers can search their website https://northyorkharvest.com to learn more, donate and get involved.