THUNDER BAY — As Christmas approaches, Thunder Bay-area residents are getting a chance to alleviate the growing problem of food insecurity in the city and in Northwestern Ontario.
Local supermarkets owned by the Loblaw group of companies have just launched their annual Holiday Food Drive for the Regional Food Distribution Association.
Participating stores include Real Canadian Superstore, both No Frills locations, and Real Canadian Wholesale Club.
Shoppers also have the opportunity to make a monetary donation.
One hundred per cent of all food and monetary contributions will go to the RFDA to help community members in need.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, food bank visits in Ontario have jumped by 23 per cent, rivalling the 2008 recession in terms of food insecurity.
Brendan Carlin, community services manager for the RFDA, says the pandemic has accelerated a trend that started before the pandemic.
"As opposed to being the stop-gap that food banks are intended to be when somebody is going through tough times and might have to visit once in awhile, people are using it more often. For some, every time it's open they're going," Carlin said.
In Ontario, single adult households represent 17 per cent of households accessing food banks, children alone make up 32 per cent of food bank visits, and seniors just over nine per cent.
According to Food Banks Canada, items most in need include the following:
Whole grain foods like oatmeal, barley, high-fibre cereals or whole-grain pasta contain plenty of fibre and are an excellent source of minerals like magnesium and iron. Food banks with meal programs will use them in their kitchens to create fresh meals for their clients.
Lean proteins from foods like canned tuna and chicken; plant proteins like peanut butter, beans, and lentils; or more complete proteins contained in other canned meats help in the maintenance of body tissue and contribute to a feeling of satiety. Nut butters are a favourite because they’re a versatile ingredient in snacks and meals.
Canned fruit is high in vitamin C and dietary fibre. Likewise, if they’re free of added salt and sugars, studies suggest that frozen and canned vegetables are often as good as fresh produce.
Milk alternatives like shelf stable milk, powdered milk, almond milk, and rice milk from the grocery store shelf contain vitamin D, vitamin A, and, most importantly, calcium.
Carlin said the Loblaw food drive is crucial to ensuring the RFDA can continue to support its clients through the holiday period and into the new year.
"It's leading up to when people have to make tough choices, whether it's because they have family visiting, or buying presents, whatever it might be. Food banks struggle and their clients struggle."
The drive continues until Dec. 24.
