Debunking common myths around the food bank

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‍Myth: Anyone can just come and get food, any time they want.

Reality: The Food Bank is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM-11:30am. Clients are allowed to use the food bank services once every two weeks. The food that clients receive is only emergency food designed to last for about 3-4 days. There is only one food hamper per household/address. After a person’s third visit, they need to provide financial information to prove need.

Myth: Most food bank clients use food bank services every two weeks.

Reality: 24% of the 1347 food bank households in 2019, only use food bank services once per year. 55% of clients/households use the food bank 4 times or less per year. Only 5% of clients/households use the food bank more than 20 times a year.

Myth: All food bank clients are on Social Assistance.

Reality: While 55% of food bank clients/households report they are on Social Assistance. Many food bank clients/households report income from other sources: they are employed (8%), on Employment Insurance (2%), receive Disability (22%), collect a Pension (10%), or have no income(3%).

Myth: There is no problem with Hunger in Canada

Reality: