Food banks need help, but charity won’t end hunger [Video]

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. –

The annual GivingTuesday is a big day for charities and non-profits to collect donations, but for some food banks and anti-poverty organizations, the day underlines a conundrum.

On one hand, demand for food banks is surging to historical heights, pushing facilities to their breaking points and leaving them in desperate need of donations and help, said Matt Noble, executive director of the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank.

On the other hand, food banks cannot and should not be leaned on to fill gaps in the social safety net that would be better addressed by public policy, the director said.

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“In a country like Canada, food insecurity should not be the responsibility of the charitable sector and the goodwill of donors,” Noble said. “Optically, it’s almost like we give the government a break by being here and …