September 17, 2020 – Pointe-Claire, Quebec – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Food banks and other local food organizations across Canada are facing an increased demand for their services, and added pressure from shortages in donations and volunteers. Now more than ever, they need continued support to offer the crucial services Canadians rely upon to feel safe and healthy.

Today, Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis, visited the West Island Mission where he announced $12,500 in funding from the Government of Canada to improve food security for West Island residents facing social, economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the first few months of the pandemic, the West Island Mission experienced a 30 percent increase in the number of families requesting food baskets. The organization provides food to about 1,000 individuals from 250 families in the community. The federal funding will be used to ensure that these families continue to receive fresh and healthy food in their baskets.

This funding is part of the $100 million Emergency Fund for food security announced by Prime Minister Trudeau in April to position food banks and local food organizations early in the pandemic to respond to increased community needs.

Key national food security organizations have been instrumental in distributing this funding, including Community Food Centres Canada and the Breakfast Club of Canada.

More than 1,800 food banks and local food organizations across Canada have been helped by the funds from the Prime Minister’s announcement, which is estimated will help serve over 2 million Canadians with 6 million meals.

Quotes

“COVID-19 has amplified the range of needs that exist within our West Island population. Food banks, among other community organizations, have faced a rising tide of demand on their resources. In recognition of the impacts of the pandemic on the food security of many Canadians, the federal government has made special funding available to food banks across the country. I am so very pleased that the West Island Mission has obtained extra financial support for the wonderful work the organization is doing to support many West Islanders at this time of crisis.”

- Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis

“Very early on in the pandemic, the West Island Mission made the decision to provide a larger offer of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure our clients receive a good reflection of Canada’s Food Guide in their baskets. We believe that providing our families with fresh and healthy food will aid in both their physical and mental health during these uncertain times. The emergency support from Community Food Centers and the Breakfast Club of Canada allowed us to cover these costs without having to use additional funding from our operating budget. It will permit us to continue to serve those in need to the best of our ability.”

- Suzanne Scarrow, Executive Director of the West Island Mission