This is the time when pressures ramp up for food banks across northwestern Ontario.
There is some relief on the horizon with the arrival of the CP Holiday Train on Saturday, which accepts cash and food donations for area food programs.
A recent Ontario Association of Food Banks report finds almost half a million Ontarians need the assistance of a food bank, one third of them children.
90% of users are rental or social housing tenants.
More than 45% of food bank clients had less than $100 left after paying basic expenses.
The Association is suggesting an increase to Ontario’s social assistance programs, alongside investments in affordable housing.
