The number of Nova Scotians using food banks has sky-rocketed in the past years.
A study published by Food Banks Canada shows a 21% increase in food bank use in the province over last year.
That is the second highest increase across the country, second only to the Territories.
Canadian hunger, mapped by province. Where does your province stand? #HungerCount #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/1yVq7m6fmi
— Food Banks Canada (@foodbankscanada) November 16, 2016
More disturbing is that those figures jump to 41% more since 8 years ago.
Karen Theriault with Feed Nova Scotia says she sees the need everyday.
“To see the numbers in black and white was a bit of a shock but it really just validated what I think has been the experience that we have been dealing with.”
Theriault says the cost of living is higher than some can afford.
This is a stark indication of the inadequate level of support
provided by Income Assistance. #HungerCount pic.twitter.com/FeyNRRXGyx— FEED NOVA SCOTIA (@FEEDNOVASCOTIA) November 15, 2016
“You can’t turn a blind eye to any population group that’s out there. Hunger has no barriers, if you will, and really, it is affecting people from all walks of life.”
Theriault says the report’s results aren’t surprising to people on the food bank’s front lines who see the need everyday.
Help raise awareness of hunger in Canada and advocate for change. Read our #HungerCount report! https://t.co/a4unSt7sDT pic.twitter.com/JepEsK9p8e
— Food Banks Canada (@foodbankscanada) November 18, 2016
