NOVEMBER 17, 2009 : ANNUAL REPORT ON HUNGER SHOWS NOVA SCOTIA HAS SECOND LARGEST PROVINCIAL INCREASE IN NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITING FOOD BANKS
rovincial increase in number of people visiting food banks
Halifax, NS (November 17, 2009) – Twenty percent more Nova Scotians turned to food banks for support in March 2009 than in March 2008. This was the second highest provincial increase in Canada, next only to Alberta, which experienced a 61 percent increase. These were among the findings of HungerCount 2009 released today by Food Banks Canada.
“The impact of the economic challenges we’ve endured over the past year is suddenly awfully real when you see numbers like these,” said Dianne Swinemar, Executive Director of FEED NOVA SCOTIA. “It’s heartbreaking to know that so many people struggle each day simply to make ends meet.”
First conducted in 1997, HungerCount is the only annual, national survey of food bank and other emergency food program use in Canada. The survey provides a national snapshot of hunger in Canada by counting the total number of individuals who receive groceries from food banks and their affiliated agencies during a one month period. Every food bank nation-wide is eligible to participate.
In Nova Scotia, 142 food banks and meal programs are represented in the survey, revealing that 20,344 individuals were assisted by a food bank in March 2009. In addition to those assisted by food banks, FEED NOVA SCOTIA’s various member agency meal programs and soup kitchens served 94,026 meals during the same month.
Across Canada, a total of 794,738 individuals were assisted by a food bank or affiliated food program. This is an increase of 18% compared to the same period in 2008, and is the largest year-over-year increase on record. At 6%, Saskatchewan had the lowest increase in the total number of individuals assisted by food banks in March 2009 compared to March 2008. Prince Edward Island is the only province or territory that experienced a decrease in the number of people assisted in March 2009 compared to March 2008 (down 6%).
Although the magnitude of need has changed, one thing has not changed: the need for food assistance exists across the social spectrum. In Nova Scotia, 34 percent of those helped are children (down slightly from 35 percent in 2008). Only a small percentage (11 percent) of people visiting food banks owns their home. In terms of income, although social assistance, disability-related income and pension represent the majority of those visiting food banks, many others are in the labour force.
“Our province is diverse and so is the experience of hunger and poverty,” said Swinemar.
In terms of year to year changes, 8 percent of assisted households this year reported current employment as their primary source of income, down from 10 percent in 2008, and 6 percent reported receiving Employment Insurance, down from 7 percent. Those reporting income from social assistance increased only slightly from 55 percent to 56 percent. The same is true for households receiving the majority of their income from disability‐related income supports (13 percent, up from 11 percent).
Despite the disturbing increase in the need for food banks, Swinemar said there is a plus side: Nova Scotians have continued to respond to that need through generous levels of giving.
“As more and more people face the realities of poverty and hunger, many others are rising to the challenge and helping to provide the support that’s desperately needed through both food and monetary donations,” she said. “Nova Scotians are a giving people. To see that level of giving continue through even challenging economic times is truly inspiring.”
About Food Banks Canada
Formerly the Canadian Association of Food Banks, Food Banks Canada is a national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Food Banks Canada conducts research, engages in public education and advocates for public policy change to eliminate the causes of hunger and poverty in Canada. More information can be found online at www.foodbankscanada.ca.
About FEED NOVA SCOTIA
FEED NOVA SCOTIA is a charitable organization that collects and distributes food to 153 member agencies across Nova Scotia, including food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, breakfast programs, prepared meal services, and emergency food assistance programs. The organization has both an immediate goal to feed hungry people and a long-term goal to eliminate chronic hunger and alleviate poverty. www.feednovascotia.ca
For more information, contact:
Dianne Swinemar, Executive Director
(902) 457-1900
Cell: (902) 471-8573
