Mr. Speaker, more than two million visits were made to food banks in March, with twice as many Canadians needing help to eat than in 2019. In a nation as rich in resources as we are, this is unacceptable.
Nearly one in five people who turn to a food bank is employed. They go to work every day and still cannot afford groceries. One third are children. Seniors are showing up in record numbers. Food banks are doing everything they can, but they are being pushed beyond their limits. They are spending more than twice what they did just a few years ago to keep shelves stocked.
Recent reporting shows that grocery prices in Newfoundland and Labrador rose about 4% last year. That may sound small, but for families already stretched thin, it means they go without. In Stephenville, Catherine told my office she buys only what is on sale and that fresh fruit is a luxury. She grows vegetables so she can eat. She does everything right and still falls behind every month.
The time for action is now. Canadians deserve more than excuses.