Thunder Bay Food Bank Faces Increased Demand Amid Rising Costs

The Thunder Bay Food Bank is experiencing a significant increase in demand as families and newcomers to Canada seek assistance. Located on the city’s south side, the food bank serves approximately 140 households, comprising more than 200 adults and around 100 children, with new clients appearing regularly. Each second Friday, clients line up on the street before the doors open at 9 a.m., regardless of the weather conditions.

Allison Hill, chair of the food bank’s board of directors, emphasized the diverse range of individuals relying on the service. “A wide cross-section of people — singles, big families, couples, seniors, students, everybody,” Hill stated. “We don’t question why they’re here. If people are coming to a food bank, we know they need help.”

Food Insecurity on the Rise

According to Feed Ontario’s annual Hunger Report, over one million Ontarians accessed food banks in the past year, leading to a record-breaking 8.7 million visits. In the Thunder Bay district, nearly 19.5 percent of households face food insecurity, as reported by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU).

Hill noted an increase in larger families seeking assistance, attributing this trend to the rising costs of groceries. “They can’t buy as much with the dollars that they have, so they need a little extra help,” she explained. The escalating prices have also affected the food bank’s purchasing capabilities. For instance, Hill mentioned that coffee has become prohibitively expensive for the organization to buy. “Anyone who donates coffee, that’s huge. When we don’t have it, we feel badly for people,” she added.

Nationally, approximately 34 percent of food bank clients are newcomers to Canada who have been in the country for ten years or less, according to Food Banks Canada’s 2025 Hunger Count. The report highlights the urgent need for reform in the social safety net, particularly given the increasing demands among recent newcomers.

Hill has also observed an influx of new Canadians at the Thunder Bay Food Bank. “A few weeks ago, I started noticing some people in line who were new Canadians who seem to not have the right clothes for our winter weather,” she noted. In response, she appealed to volunteers for donations of winter clothing and was met with overwhelming support.

Community Support and Essential Donations

Despite the rising demand, Hill expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, which has helped sustain the food bank’s operations. Donations also come from across Canada through Canada Helps, providing essential support. While the food bank accepts a wide range of items, Hill highlighted that monetary donations are especially beneficial. “This allows us to buy what’s most needed at the time,” she explained.

Fresh food is a priority for the organization. Hill stated, “One of our focuses with our board is when we can afford it, and we thankfully can, we buy fresh food.” The food bank consistently offers fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, yogurt, and bread, alongside pantry staples that are commonly donated.

For individuals who may be hesitant to access food bank services for the first time, Hill reassured them that there is no need to feel ashamed. “I think one of the worries that people have is of judgment, and we certainly show no judgment,” she emphasized. “If you come once, if you come every two weeks, we’re happy to welcome you.”

The Thunder Bay Food Bank continues to play a crucial role in supporting those in need, particularly as the community faces ongoing economic challenges. With the help of local volunteers and generous donors, the organization strives to ensure that no one goes hungry.