Recent research sheds light on a pressing issue: food insecurity in Quebec. After two years, many people who turn to food banks for the first time may not need them anymore, but alarmingly, 40% will return regularly or occasionally. This study comes from the Centre for Public Health Research in Quebec, led by Louise Potvin and Geneviève Mercille.
The study, named Parcours, followed 1,001 first-time food bank users across four regions in Quebec between 2018 and 2022. The results showed that over 80% of those who visited food banks were experiencing food insecurity, with nearly half of these individuals skipping meals regularly due to serious financial strain. Most participants had a household income of less than $20,000 a year, highlighting a stark divide in economic stability.
Interestingly, the study established five distinct profiles of food bank users, revealing patterns in how often people return. Of those tracked, about a third discontinued their visits soon after, while a quarter phased out gradually. However, almost a third became chronic users, relying on food banks nearly every month.
Potvin noted that the situation varies between urban and rural areas. In rural regions, there were more single-parent families facing severe food insecurity, while urban Montreal saw a higher number of immigrants and students relying on food aid. More education often translates to better financial situations, leading to an improved ability to stop using food banks. Even a modest income increase—say to $25,000 or $30,000—can make a difference for some.
Sadly, long-term reliance on food aid correlates with ongoing food insecurity and declining health. Mercille pointed out that for vulnerable individuals—like the elderly or those with chronic health conditions—returning to work is often out of reach. For these folks, improved living conditions might only come through social housing or recognition of their limitations.
The issue is becoming more urgent. Statistics Canada reported that food insecurity in Quebec rose from 10.9% in 2019 to 15.7% in 2022. Economic challenges, such as inflation and the housing crisis, have likely made matters worse, exacerbating the crisis.
Given this landscape, Potvin and Mercille emphasize the need for tailored assistance and a coordinated support network to help those struggling. “When someone visits a food bank for the first time, it’s usually because they have exhausted all other options,” Potvin explained. “Food banks can’t be the long-term solution.”
As we navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to find more sustainable ways to address food insecurity. A multi-faceted approach—connecting job training, immigrant integration, and social services—could help individuals regain stability.
Check out this related article: San Antonio Food Bank Warns: Federal Program Cut Could Increase Food Rationing for Local Families
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