Facing higher demand, food banks get more provincial funding

The New Brunswick government will give $1 million to anorganization that supplies food banks and soup kitchens around the province.

That's on topof $1 million given toFood Depot Alimentairejust before Christmas.The organization distributes food to 65 food banks and soup kitchens across the province from its Moncton warehouse.

Stphane Sirois,Food Depot Alimentaire'sexecutive director, said it will be used to buy fresh food as most of what gets donated is non-perishable dry and canned goods.

"This allows us to purchase the meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, fresh stuff ... that the food banks and the community kitchens need," Siroissaid. "And so that ensures that they're not turning anyone away."

Siroissaid the organization's food purchasing budget this year is about $3.5 million so the $1 million from the province will help cover a significant amount of that budget.

Siroissaid food banksreported a 35 per cent increase in visits last year compared to 2022with the number of people served up by 42 per cent, which means more families are using them.

Soup kitchens also saw a 17 per cent increase over 2022, Sirois said.

The funding was announced at the organization's warehouse on Monday by New Brunswick Health Minister Bruce Fitch.

"It's true in this province,across the country, it's been a difficult few years for those that struggle with hunger and food insecurity," Fitch said. "Sadly, in New Brunswick, visits to our food banks and community kitchens continue to rise."

The $1 million announced Monday will be given in March. The province had given $1 million just before the holidays on top of the $2 million it contributed last year.

Siroissaid the profile of those experiencing food insecurityis changing.

"Families with both parents working and homeowners are increasingly visiting food banks and community kitchens," Sirois said.

After talking about the increases recorded last year, Sirois said 2024 isn't expected to be any different.

"We're still seeing some sharp increases."