Concern remains despite slight reduction in food bank use in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is seeing a slight reduction in the number of people turning to food banks.

Food Banks Canada released its 2015 Hunger Count Tuesday morning which shows food bank usage in 2015 in Saskatchewan is down by 0.3 per cent compared to 2014. That means there are about 100 fewer people turning to the food bank.

However, a news release shows Saskatchewan is still seeing an increase of clients in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Meadow Lake.

The Regina Food Bank is continuing to encourage provincial efforts for a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy.

“Each year we continue to see many of our food bank users struggling to make ends meet each and every month,” said Food Banks of Saskatchewan executive director Steve Compton in the release. “Those on social assistance and others on a ‘fixed income’ continue be challenged by increased costs of essentials, particularly food and housing.”

Who uses the food bank in Saskatchewan?

• 45 per cent are children and youth under the age of 18
• 17.9 per cent report employment related income (14.8% in 2014)
• 49 per cent are on social assistance
• three per cent are seniors
• 65.3 per cent access rental market for housing