Home / Business and Economy / Yellowknife Food Bank Faces Crisis: Demand Up, Donations Down
Yellowknife Food Bank Faces Crisis: Demand Up, Donations Down
28 Jul
Summary
- Food bank demand increased by 60% in four years.
- Donations have declined, forcing reliance on processed foods.
- All N.W.T. households on social assistance live below poverty.
Demand for food bank services in Yellowknife has risen by 60% in the past four years, forcing the Salvation Army to distribute processed canned foods instead of fresh items due to declining donations.
Executive director Tony Brushett expressed concern about the organization's ability to meet the escalating need, warning of potential closures or the inability to serve all families seeking assistance.
A recent report highlights that all households in the Northwest Territories receiving social assistance are living below the poverty line, with a family of four on support earning just over $57,000 annually.
This food insecurity impacts nearly 22% of households in the territory, according to a 2024 Statistics Canada report.
The territorial government acknowledges food insecurity as a growing challenge, citing rising costs of food, housing, transportation, and utilities as major pressures on residents.
Factors like climate change, shorter winter road seasons, and reliance on imported goods contribute to increased food costs throughout the territory.
To combat these issues, the territory supports local food production through community gardens and greenhouses, alongside initiatives like the Community Harvesters Assistance Program and all-season road projects.
