Survey reveals surging demand and strained resources at Canadian food charities
A new survey conducted by Ipsos for the National Network of Non-Profits and Second Harvest found that 89 per cent of non-profits saw increased food demand over the past year, while 35 per cent were forced to turn people away due to limited resources.
A survey titled "The State of Food Charity in Canada," conducted by Ipsos for the National Network of Non-Profits and Second Harvest, has revealed significant strain on organizations providing food assistance across the country. More than 1,600 of Second Harvest's nearly 2,500 partner organizations responded to the survey.
According to the findings, 89 per cent of surveyed non-profits experienced an increase in demand for food over the past year. As a result of limited food availability or a lack of resources, 35 per cent of these organizations were forced to turn people away. Among those that refused service, two in five had to turn away more than 50 individuals, with an average of 269 people turned away per organization. Additionally, 33 per cent of the surveyed non-profits reported having a waitlist for providing support, with an average of 878 people waiting among those organizations.
The data also highlights the demographics of those seeking assistance. Vivian Etuka of Bethel Outreach Community Services in Etobicoke, Ont., reported seeing nurses and teachers among food bank clients. Jamie Seabrook, a researcher and professor, stated that the survey dispels the myth that food bank users are all unemployed.
The survey further examined how these organizations source their supplies. It found that 49 per cent of the groups surveyed do not access food or other supports through the federal, provincial, or regional food bank network. For the respondents, 36 per cent of the food available comes directly from Second Harvest. Furthermore, 91 per cent of surveyed organizations say the Second Harvest network helps them offer more food, and 80 per cent say it provides more healthy and nutritious food.
Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, stated that Canada has enough food but too much goes to waste while organizations struggle to meet demand. The federal government said it is reviewing the survey results regarding food insecurity.