Food bank visits in Durham Region up nearly 250 per cent since 2020

Food insecurity is touching more households across Durham Region than ever before, with food bank visits up nearly 250 per cent since 2020, according to the Region of Durham.

The regional municipality and its local partners recently wrapped a Hunger Action Month campaign, run through Oct. 5 with Feed the Need in Durham, to raise awareness and encourage donations for residents struggling to afford food. But the need behind the campaign doesn't end with the month — the organization continues to accept food, money and volunteers year-round.

"Every day, we see more people needing help to put food on the table," Feed the Need in Durham CEO Ben Earle said in a Region of Durham news release. "Food insecurity affects one in four residents across our community."

Earle said rising grocery prices, housing and rental costs, and other everyday expenses are pushing more individuals and families toward food support programs for the first time.

Nearly 900,000 visits in one year

Feed the Need in Durham distributes more than 2.4 million pounds of food annually through a network of 70 community food programs across the region, according to the release.

Over the past year, those programs supported nearly 900,000 visits — a figure that includes almost 10,000 people who turned to a food bank for the first time.

"Meeting the growing need across Durham Region requires the support and commitment of the entire community," Earle said.

Regional Chair and CEO John Henry urged residents to keep giving whatever they can, even with the awareness month over.

"As a community, we all have a role to play in supporting our neighbours facing difficult circumstances," Henry said in the release. "Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, give what we can, and help ensure residents have access to the food and support they need."

How GTA residents can help

Residents looking to support local families can find non-perishable food donation drop-off locations across Durham Region at Durham.ca/HungerAction. Feed the Need in Durham also accepts financial contributions and welcomes volunteers throughout the year.

According to the organization, even a small gift goes a long way: one dollar can help provide two meals for someone in need.

Feed the Need in Durham says every contribution matters, whether it's pantry staples, donated time or a financial gift. A list of the organization's most-needed items, volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved is available at FeedTheNeedinDurham.ca.