The number of visits is expected to rise above 22,000 this year
Brockville city council has declared food insecurity an emergency as food bank visits in 2025 are on track to surpass the city’s population of 22,293.
The symbolic resolution, passed unanimously Tuesday, urges the provincial and federal governments to take stronger action to fight food insecurity.
Officials say Brockville and Area Food Bank recorded over 21,500 visits in 2024, with more than 5,500 by or for children. The number is expected to rise above 22,000 this year. The food bank serves a population base of about 30,000 in Brockville, Lyn, Mallorytown and North Augusta.
One in seven households in the region struggle with food access, according to Public Health Ontario.
The resolution calls for a province-wide school food program and policies addressing low income, housing and rising food costs.
Food bank leaders stress they hope to one day close their doors — because no one needs them anymore.
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