Rent or food? For many Canadians that is a daily choice

On Hunger Awareness Day on June 1, Food Banks Canada is calling on Canadians to think about hunger in Canada and donate funds, food or volunteer time to a local food bank to help those in need.

The economy may be improving but the need for food banks has not reduced. When living on a fixed budget many Canadians are faced with difficult choices while providing for themselves and their families. A senior may struggle with food in order to pay for medication. A single mother may have to limit her food intake to one meal a day in order to pay for child care. A real-life example is Theresa Schrader, a mother with a young son in Toronto, who lives on social assistance benefits of $562 a month. Her basic expenses of rent, utilities and other expenses are $371 leaving her with only $191 monthly to pay for food for herself and her child. Theresa, who is currently working towards a degree in Social Work, doesn't know how she is going to make it through the summer on her limited income. "I'm not afraid to say that I'm struggling to put food on the table for myself and my son," says Ms. Schrader in a press release. "I am grateful for the support that food banks provide to me while I continue to try to break the cycle of poverty." In 1981 the first food banks were created as a temporary emergency measure. Today they are a part of the safety net. There are currently 884 food banks and 2,906 affiliated agencies distribute groceries or provide meals for hungry Canadians.