Food Banks Canada asking Canadians and Government to take action to help on National Hunger Awareness Day (June 2)

TORONTO - Food Banks Canada is reporting an approximately 20 per cent increase in the number of Canadians turning to food banks each month and, as a result, food banks across the country are facing unprecedented challenges providing essential food to those in need. On National Hunger Awareness Day (June 2), Food Banks Canada is calling on Canadians to donate funds, food or time to ensure Canadian food banks can continue to meet the needs of Canada's hungry during this difficult economic time.

"Each month, hundreds of thousands of Canadians are facing very difficult choices - do they pay the rent, pay the hydro bill, or buy food," says Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada. "We want Canadians to know that families and individuals in their own communities are turning to food banks, in increasing numbers."

This approximately 20 per cent increase is based on initial survey results on food bank usage in March of this year compared to March 2008. Some regions across the country are seeing an even greater demand. In Penticton, British Columbia, the food bank has experienced a 37 per cent increase in food bank usage since last year, with much of the increase attributed to recent layoffs. In North Bay, Ontario, the local food bank is in a similar situation, in part because of job losses in the mining sector. Further details on national food bank usage will be released by Food Banks Canada once all research is completed.

In 2008, more than 700,000 Canadians, including students, seniors, people with disabilities, and adults with jobs who don't make enough to support their families - turned to food banks in an average month.(*) Now, more than ever, communities across the country are in need of assistance, and both individuals and governments can help those in need.