Hunger Count: Moisson Montréal sounds the alarm and calls for action

MONTREAL, Oct. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Moisson Montréal, Canada's largest food bank, is releasing its Hunger Count and the figures are alarming. Food pantry use is up 55%, and for the first time in 15 years, two-parent families represent the largest number of beneficiaries. The percentage of working people in need of food assistance has risen by 57% since 2019, a worrisome reality that is redefining poverty in Montreal. As various organizations across the country share their findings today, Moisson Montréal is calling for action and encouraging all concerned parties to intervene, not only to address the ever-increasing demands, but also to tackle the root causes of this troubling situation.

"Our call to action extends beyond immediate food assistance. Yes, we need more food, and there is enormous pressure on the ground to meet the needs. However, it is absolutely necessary that we work together to address the root causes of food insecurity. It is imperative that all institutions mobilize to resolve this ever-worsening crisis. It's by working together that we'll find solutions," said Chantal Vézina, Executive Director of Moisson Montréal.

The daily challenge of meeting an ever-increasing demand

Several of Moisson Montréal's community agencies attest to the impact of the food crisis. "I think we do magic every day, but we don't perform miracles. Inflation is hitting us hard and is having a direct impact on our food supply. In addition, our customer traffic is increasing daily. On average, we are serving 30% more people this year than last year. We're working hard to maintain service quality and stability, but you should realize that it's a daily challenge." Le Chic Resto Pop

"Since our post-pandemic reopening in March 2022, requests for food assistance have tripled. We're finding it increasingly difficult to serve everyone who is counting on us for help. In order to help as many people as possible, starting in June, we reduced the size of food baskets by a third. We also reduced the frequency of our beneficiaries' visits to once a month." The Dépôt community food centre

A call to action

As the hunger assessments of several organizations are being published today, Moisson Montréal is calling for concerted action to respond effectively to the growing needs of the population. Targeted policies and a global approach are essential to overcoming this ever-evolving food crisis.

The face of hunger in Montreal:

• Food pantry use has increased by 55%
• For the first time in 15 years, two-parent families represent the largest group (33.7%)
• 57% increase in the number of working people receiving food assistance since 2019.
  

To consult the Moisson Montréal 2023 Hunger Count, visit our website at

https://www.moissonmontreal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/HungerCount_2023.pdf

About Hunger Count
Hunger Count is a survey conducted by member food banks of Food Banks Canada (FBC). The objective is to measure the food support services provided by community organizations across the country.

About Moisson Montréal
Moisson Montréal is a registered charity founded in 1984 and the largest food bank in Canada. Its mission is to provide an optimal food supply to community organizations serving vulnerable people on the Island of Montreal while participating in the development of sustainable solutions. Thanks to the generosity of volunteers and food donors, Moisson Montréal benefits from an extraordinary leverage effect: for each dollar donated the organization redistributes more than $15 worth of food. Moisson Montréal provides 18 million kg of food per year to the greater community network, including more than 300 community agencies on the Island of Montreal that respond to more than 900,000 monthly requests for food assistance.

For more information, please contact

Éliane Larouche                                                
Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs
Moisson Montréal
514 701-4206
[email protected]