Food banks feed more and more workers

Food banks in Canada support a growing number of individuals and families who work but whose income is insufficient to meet their basic needs, reveals the document entitled Review HungerCount 2008. The study, published by the charity Food Banks Canada, said that in March 2008, 14.5% of households served by food banks across the country have employment income, which represents 1% of more than in 2007. The study explains that well-paid jobs are disappearing in Canada, particularly in the manufacturing and forestry sectors and are often replaced by low-paid, temporary or part-time income level does not cover all costs of housing, food, clothing and health. The growth of these "new poor" is found in seven out of ten provinces, except Quebec, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island. Compared to all households in Quebec who have resorted to food banks, the proportion who had a job as a main source of income has decreased from 12.6% in 2007 to 10.3% in 2008 . In March 2008, across Canada, 704 000 people visited food banks, representing a decrease of 2.2% over the previous year. In Quebec, there was some stability with 156 000 people attended. Food Banks Canada is concerned that the problem of hunger is worsening in the current economic situation and recommends that the Harper government to establish a federal strategy to reduce poverty. In particular, it is suggested to improve child tax benefits and income from work.