On this Monday in August, shortly before 1 p.m., the first people are waiting in front of the doors of the Patro Roc-Amadour. Equipped with bags, they are waiting for the distribution of food offered by this social welfare organization established for 75 years in the working-class district of Limoilou, Quebec.
For much of the afternoon, there is a steady flow: while a dozen beneficiaries wait their turn and volunteers offer them water or coffee, others are in the grocery section of the place. With their carts they go from table to table and are given the products they are entitled to, depending on the number of people in their household. “We are in a good moment, one of harvests and of the beautiful fruits and vegetables of Quebec. The tables are well filled and the products are diversified”stands out with pleasure “Mr. Jacques.”
A volunteer for eighteen years in Patro Roc-Amadour, this retiree with a smiling gaze and a thick moustache has seen the face of poverty evolve. “Two or three years ago, 85% of users were welfare recipients, with incomes of around $800. [canadiens] per month (around 530 euros). Today we see many newcomers who are waiting for a work permit or who have low-paying jobs. » “In addition, the number of elderly people increases every year.adds Mario Hébert, director of the mutual aid serviceFor others, they are single people or large families. »
A pair of winter boots
The trend is expected to worsen, given the results of a survey by Pollara Strategic Insights for Food Banks Canada, released on August 22, which indicates that 35% of Canadians are experiencing more financial hardship than they were three months ago. “If this is confirmed, the food bank network will not be able to cope with the wave of people seeking help., says Kirstin Beardsley, director of Food Banks Canada. We were not designed to support a quarter of the population. »
According to the organization that oversees food bank services in each province, 25% of Canadians live below the poverty line. This figure is different from the 10% estimated by Statistics Canada. This difference with the official rate is due to the choice of statistical tools.
Food Banks Canada relied on the Material Deprivation Index, which calculates the proportion of Canadians living in poverty because they cannot afford to buy two or more essential items. This affects 30% of 18- to 30-year-olds, 44.5% of single-parent families and 42% of renters, according to the study published in June. The organization also surveyed households to find out whether they were able to meet various needs, such as getting around, having at least one pair of shoes that fit well and a pair of winter boots, or keeping their home at an adequate temperature all year round.
You have 64.17% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
