I'm in need of a food bank. What do I do?

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Food bank usage in Canada is up.Wayup.

In March of this year, there were nearly 1.5 million visits to food banks across the country, according to a recent report by the non-profit organizationFood Banks Canada. That's15 per cent higher than what was seen in March 2021, and35 per cent higher than the number of visits inMarch 2019.

What's different about the rise infood bank use this year is that itcomes as Canada's unemployment rate has seen a significant decrease. In March 2022, the country's unemployment rate sunk to 5.3 per cent the lowest on recordsince data became available in 1976, according toStatistics Canada.

So what's behind the discrepancy? The Food Banks Canada report cites high inflation, stagnantsocial assistance ratesand the surging cost of food and housing.

Withmore Canadiansturning to food bankstofeed themselves and their families, CBC Newshas also seen a significant number of audience questions about the resource: how to access one, give back to oneand what happens when donations aren't enough.

How do I access a food bank?

Food banks are scattered all across the countryfor Canadians who find themselves needing to put something on the table, but without the funds to do so.

If you're looking for one close toyou, you canuse Food Banks Canada's online locator and inputyour postal code.

Food banks are designed to help those in need, so they are offered free of charge.

However, who qualifies foraccess largely depends on which food bank you go to, explained Richard Matern, director of research at Food Banks Canada and author of the recently released report.

"Usually, there is some sort of intake process," he said, where an intake officer may ask you a range of questions, such as your name, addressand source of income.

He encourages food bank visitorsto bring aform of government ID andproof of address, if you have it, as you may be requested to provide them as part of thatintake process.

What can I get at a food bank?

Typically, food banks offera wide variety of products, including non-perishables, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dairy products. Of course, depending on supply and demand, not all of those products may be available at the time of your visit.

Matern says food banks often distribute products to visitorsin one of two ways. One model is via pre-packaged hampers, typically containing a selection of goods, whichare given out whenfood banks are experiencing a busier period.

The second option is the "shopping model."

"If the food bank has the time or the space available, and the volunteer availability, they enable what is called the 'shopping model,'" said Matern. This means food bank users may come into the facility and select a certain number of items from each section (dairy, grains, etc.), based on the size of their household.

Food is often distributed with the intention of it lasting, on average, seven days, Maternsaid, though some places maybase it ona shorter or a longer amount of time.

How do I donate to a food bank?

If you want to giveback, you can do so with eithermonetary or food donations. It's worth noting thattheprocess to donate, too, willdependon the food bank.

Matern suggests looking up your nearest food bank to learn about its specific process, which may also vary depending on the type of donation you are looking to make.

"Some food banks will take donations in person, [while] some have kind of a structured process," he said.

If you're interested in makinga financial contribution, you can often donate online. If you would like to make a food donation, you can typically do so at a designated location, such as a central warehouse, local fire hall, or the food bank itself.

Contacting the food bank you plan on donatingto is the best way to figure out exactly how, and where,to give back.

WATCH |Demand for Canadian food banks hit an all-time high in 2022:

Food bank use hits all-time high as Canadians struggle to get by

2 years ago

Duration 2:32

A new report shows demand for Canadian food banks hit an all-time high in 2022, with more people struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Beyond those on fixed incomes, the report also highlights a growing need among people with jobs.

Which types of food should I donate?

This also depends on the specific food bank.

On itswebsite, the United Wayrecommends callingyour localfood bank to determine what can be donated and what is most needed.Additionally, the website indicates "foods with high nutritional value are particularly welcome," as well as those that reflect a region's demographic makeup.

Feed Ontario, which works with food banks across the province, hasposted about which foods are most needed, adding that you should donate "items you like to see in your own household."

Who stocks food banks when donations from the public aren't enough?

Food banks are supplied through a number of different providers. Aside from individual donations, they often receive support from farms and corporate partners, such as grocery stores, according to the United Way.

Other non-profits, such as Food Banks Canada, also assist in maintaining supply, said Matern. The federal government has also previously given grants for food banks, with provincial governments topping them up.

Still, the recent surge in demand has forced food banks to increasingly rely on their budgets (from individual donations)to purchase food in order to maintain stock.

"In many cases, there's unpredictable demand," saidMatern. "It's very hard to match the supply accordingly."