The Great Recession is over. At least, that’s the mantra being chanted by politicians and investment bankers looking to boost the financial industry. In food banks across Canada, the recovery from economic hard times looks quite a bit different.

2010 Hunger Count Report

Every year since 1989, Food Banks Canada has issued a report on the level of usage experienced by member organizations. And, as the organization says “Affiliate Member food banks, and their respective agencies serve approximately 85% of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide,” its annual report presents a comprehensive view of the situation.

The 2010 report, released on November 16, 2010 says that “Over the last two years, food bank use in Canada has risen by 28% – an unprecedented rate of growth. After four consecutive years of decline, demand for food banks has skyrocketed since the 2008-09 recession.”