2020 has certainly been a year to remember. Since the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic that began early last Spring, our communities, our country and the world has had to quickly adapt to a “new normal.” What did this “new normal” mean? Some of the most notable adjustments included limiting interaction with people outside immediate social circles and adjusting how businesses operate, to help minimize the spread of the virus.
As a result of COVID-19 and the respective safety restrictions put into place, Ontario has seen a rise in unemployment, permanent business closures and ultimately, an increased loss of family income. Unfortunately, these outcomes mean that more families are now relying on the support of their communities for day-to-day help.
In 2019, food banks across Ontario were already seeing a rise in usage from previous years at a rate of about 5.3%. According to a report from Feed Ontario, “Ontario’s food banks saw a 26% increase in first-time visitors between March and June 2020.” And as the pandemic continues, the numbers for both first-time and repeat visitors will grow.