More Quebecers and Canadians are visiting food banks than ever before. This week’s HungerCount report found that over a quarter of a million individuals in Montreal use food assistance programs. Food Banks of Quebec philanthropy and fundraising director Véronique Beaulieu-Fowler called the situation “alarming.” “We’ve seen, once again, an increase in the number of food help requests,” she said, noting the number has risen from 3.1 million to 3.27 million per month. “This is the highest number we’ve ever seen, and it’s very alarming,” Beaulieu-Fowler said. She added that the face of poverty has changed, and many who previously thought they’d never need a food bank are now depending on them. The first thing those in need should know, Beaulieu-Fowler said, is that emergency food help is available, and it’s important to find a local organization. The best way to do this is by calling 211 or visiting this website. Call first In addition to support for seniors, Indigenous peoples, the unemployed and others, the 211 Grand Montreal site is a resource for food assistance, Christmas baskets, Meals on Wheels, school meals and more. For food assistance, a location search provides links to organizations in the area with their services and eligibility. For example, the Adrianna Espace Collectif on Sainte-Catherine Street East provides a food bank, social reintegration and subsidized housing services for people on a low income over 18 years old. The Relance Jeunes et Familles on Ontario Street has services for newborns to 12-year-olds and their parents. The Maison Plein Coeur on Dorion Street has a food bank for people living with HIV/AIDS. Beaulieu-Fowler said research and contact beforehand are key. “Before someone goes to an organization that gives food help, I would highly recommend they call if they can beforehand,” she said. “Some organizations only open once a week, things like that, so we really want to make sure that they don’t show up and leave empty-handed because that’s very difficult for them.” Food Banks Quebec also has an interactive map with locations and hours of operation across the province. Assess needs Beaulieu-Fowler said that it’s important for people seeking assistance to assess their needs, as there are multiple forms of food help. There are food baskets, prepared meals, warm meals and Meals on Wheels, as well as low-cost food options. The Groupe communautaire L’Itinéraire on Saint-Catherine Street East, for example, provides vouchers and meals for homeless people at its Roundhouse Cafe. Chez Émilie Maison d’Entraide Populaire, meanwhile, has a food bank twice a month and free breakfasts on Tuesdays for families, individuals and seniors. “It’s important to also think of their need and what the resources that they have are before they they pick an organization to go to,” said Beaulieu-Fowler. “Not every organization has the same services, nor do they have the same capacity to help, so sometimes you may need to provide certain documents, or you may have a conversation with someone who is going to run you through the process.” She cited a Université de Montréal (UdeM) study that found 86 per cent of new food bank users had not previously relied on community organizations, and users should not be surprised or discouraged if they are referred to another service. “Most organizations either offer more services for the people that they help, or they refer them to organizations that can help further the journey,” she said. Overcome barriers Beaulieu-Fowler said organizations can help individuals who have a more difficult time accessing centres. Staff, she said, take calls every day and can find solutions, as they have often heard the same problem before. “There are sometimes barriers, which we don’t think that these people are trained to think about and to support in that way,” she said. “Sometimes, instead of going, some organizations offer delivery... We have these great resources, and we need to promote them, and we need to talk about them so that people know where to turn when they’re in the most vulnerable situation of their lives.” She said staff are also aware that some people may feel ashamed to contact a food assistance centre. “We want people to know that’s why we’re there,” she said. “We know there’s a lot of stigma about going to food banks, but it can happen to anyone, and we see a lot of people who come in once, twice, and maybe they never have to come back ever again. It’s just for that moment in time where they really needed help. There’s always someone, someone who answers. I just want people to know that we’re there when they hit that kind of that rock bottom, and there will be someone to help.” How to help Those wanting to help can follow the same steps above in reverse. Find a local organization and ask what they need. Monetary donations can be made online, and local organizations are always looking for volunteers. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local organization that does food help because they always need help,” said Beaulieu-Fowler. “Sometimes it’s just to bring in some food and categorize it, but other times it could be expertise... There’s so many ways.” Purchasing an extra item at a grocery store and dropping it in the donation bin near the exit is always helpful.
