A poverty report card from Food Banks Canada gave Ontario a ‘D.’ The province got a 'C-minus' in food security and over 43% of people said they are feeling worse off financially than previously reported a year prior. This has led to a soaring demand for food banks and their services.

This provincial issue is taking form in many communities including Centre Wellington.

Centre Wellington Food Bank management say the climb in numbers has been substantial locally. Jackie Andrews, Chair of the Board of Directors, reports that 167 families were using the food bank in August of 2021. That figure has risen to 242 since.

Andrews went on to say people are using the bank more times during a month than just once. "Of that 242 families that use the food bank, we had 328 households using it altogether," Andrews explained. "So, almost 100 of those families came more than once during the month of August," she added.

Food Bank manager Curt McQueen states this doesn't necessarily represent a troubling trend in the community, though. "One of our main goals is to continue to reduce the stigma of food bank use. I think, and I'm hoping, that our numbers have gone up a bit because people out there who should have already been accessing our supports and services are now taking that step in the door," McQueen said.

He says several factors have lead to this climb in numbers. Housing affordability and rent increases were identified as major stumbling blocks for residents.

Both leaders made an effort to thank the community in Centre Wellington. "Our community is just amazing," Andrews said.

The Centre Wellington Food Bank provide over 9,000 meals on a yearly basis. For more information visit the Food Bank's website.

Listen to the CICW story below: