Advocates call for government action after food bank use spikes

Ryan Taplin/Metro Halifax

Feed Nova Scotia volunteers David Lake and Paddy Muir sort through bags of good at the Feed NS warehouse yesterday. According to a new survey, food bank usage was up 20 per cent this past March compared to March 2008.

More about
Economy

PAUL MCLEOD

METRO HALIFAX

November 18, 2009 12:01 a.m.

Be the first to comment

Print article

Text size

Operators believe the recession is responsible for a groundbreaking spike in food bank use, however, the same recession may prevent governments from addressing the problem.

After years of decline, food bank usage in Nova Scotia this March spiked 20 per cent over March 2008. It was the second highest jump in the country, after Alberta�fs 60 per cent increase. A nation-wide snapshot of food bank dependence is done every March.

Feed Nova Scotia Executive Director Dianne Swinemar said the good news is so far donations by Nova Scotians have met demand. But she called on governments to give more money to social assistance to alleviate the pressure.

�gBenefit levels are, in the majority of cases, not sufficient to meet even the most basic of human needs,�h she said. �gIn many cases they�fre discouraged from making money. Once they reach a certain level of income, it�fs taken back from them.�h

Swinemar said many people on welfare lack the essentials ? good clothes, phone lines, resum? training ? needed to get jobs.

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter was asked on Monday whether he would hike social assistance rates. He dodged the question.

During a press conference where the premier said the recession has made spending cuts and tax hikes necessary, he was asked whether looming deficits would nix a boost to welfare.

While Dexter said his government would work to make life better for the province�fs most vulnerable, he wouldn�ft commit to more money.

Instead, Dexter focused on sensitivity to the poor in future economic moves.

�g(Things like) consumption taxes hit those people on the lowest end of the economic scale hardest,�h he said. �gSo that�fs part of what�fs going to have to be dealt with over the coming weeks and months.�h

More than 20,000 individuals went to a food bank in the province this March, and operators speculate many are people returning from Alberta without jobs.

More about Economy

Don't be greedy, share this article:

	User Comments & Ratings	Comment as guest

            
            


            
                
                    Title:
                
                
                    
                        
                    
                
                
                    Comment:
                
                
                    
                        
                    
                
                
                    
                        Publish to Facebook

Toyota officials apologize, but Ottawa says now investigating automaker's action

OTTAWA - Ottawa is launching an investigating into Toyota Canada's handling of consumer concerns about the safety of its vehicles, Transport Minister John Baird said Tuesday.

Man accused of killing cop remembered as devout family man

SUNDRIDGE, Ont. - A man accused of gunning down an Ontario police officer was remembered Tuesday as someone with large hands, a big smile and a huge heart.

Commission says Muslim women must show face for health services

MONTREAL - Women wearing religious face-coverings aren't entitled to special treatment when receiving certain government services, the Quebec human rights commission said in a report likely to bolster attempts to curb religious accommodations in the province.