By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Like the rest of Ontario, the demand on Chatham-Kent food banks has risen dramatically in the last year.
According to Outreach for Hunger executive director Brenda LeClair, the agency is currently helping feed around 650 households per month, compared to an average of 450 a month in 2023.
That’s a record, LeClair told The Voice, with 100 new families accessing the food bank in October. November was on pace for more of the same.
“It’s been an extremely busy year and we’re seeing families becoming more prevalent than in the past,” she added. “Our numbers are escalating.”
Statistics released by Feed Ontario – which Outreach for Hunger is a part of – show that more than a million people in the province turned to food banks in the 12-month period from spring 2023 to March 2024.
LeClair said she doesn’t see the need going down any time soon, as inflation, unaffordable rent, high grocery prices and minimal wage increases for low-income earnings continue to impact Ontarians.
“Every time you turn around, they’re getting another slap,” LeClair explained. “It’s not a good situation as we head into the winter months.”
Many unhoused people also come to the organization’s doors for respite, she said, often seeking only a bottle of water or a juice box.
“We do what we can,” she said, adding they give them a list of available resources, including a schedule of free hot meals.
Over at the Salvation Army, it’s the same story. Larry Bridger, pastor and director for the organization’s Chatham-Kent Ministries, said the demand is high at its four food banks located in Chatham, Wallaceburg, Blenheim and Ridgetown.
“We’re seeing between 20 to 30 new clients every month,” Bridger explained. “It’s a tremendous need.”
According to Bridger, the Salvation Army helps around 170 households in Chatham each month, and more than 150 in Wallaceburg.
Although the Salvation Army supplies clothing and helps with hydro bills, helping people with groceries is its biggest outreach.
“Food is the biggest factor and our primary need,” Bridger said.
Anyone wishing to donate food or money to either organization is welcome. Outreach for Hunger can be reached by phone at 519-351-8381 or via email at bjl@ciaccess.com. E-transfers can be sent to outreach@ciaccess.com.
The Salvation Army’s Family Services can be reached in Chatham at 519-354-1430 or in Wallaceburg at 519-627-8257. Online inquiries can be sent to chathamkentinfo@salvationarmy.ca.
A comprehensive analysis of Canada’s food supply is due out Dec. 5, with the release of Canada’s Food Price Report 2024. An early glimpse indicates a family of four will spend $16,297 on food this year, an increase of around $700 compared to 2023.
