Manitoba food bank usage on the rise [Video]

Advocates say new data showing record food bank usage across Canada marks a somber milestone, while the Manitoba organization helping to feed those in need said they are being pushed to the brink by the unprecedented demand.

Food Banks Canada released its HungerCount 2024 report Monday.

Data from the annual food bank use survey shows food bank use in Canada recorded more than two million visits in March 2024, which is nearly double the monthly visits from five years ago in March 2019, and six per cent above last year’s record-breaking figure.

Rapid inflation, housing costs and insufficient social supports are driving new levels of poverty and food insecurity, the study found.

Data broken down by province paints a rosier picture in the Prairies – one that Harvest Manitoba said does not give a complete view.

According to the report, Manitoba food bank visits fell 3.25 per cent in March of this year …