Hunger in Quebec sets a sad record this year. In Bilan-Faim 2023, Moisson Sud-Ouest reveals that 14,700 people are helped in the region each month, an increase of 29.5% compared to 2022.

According to this document, here are some current statistics: 

⎯ Nearly 6,587 visits to convenience food programs each month, an increase of 32% since 2022 when there were nearly 4,976 monthly visits; 
⎯ 36.2% of food aid recipients are children; 
⎯ An increase of around 20% in the number of workers using food baskets 2023; 
⎯ 20.4% of convenience food applicants are single-parent families.

Moisson Sud-Ouest and the 85 organizations it serves are responding to 6,587 visits to food convenience programs monthly in 2023, a situation never seen before.

Organizations in the field are unanimous: this is a historic situation. The network is facing unprecedented demand. Food insecurity is at an all-time high in the Suroît region, while the worrisome economic context points to even more difficult days ahead.

"We need to collectively reflect on the actions we can take to concretely fight hunger. Our network will try to offset demand and the holes in our social safety net, but we won't be able to make a lasting impact in the fight against hunger in Quebec. This will require the implementation of policies to combat poverty," says the organization in a press release. 

A persistent food shortage in Suroît

Because of the difficult economic context, Moisson Sud-Ouest has noted that the profile of users seeking food aid is diversifying. More and more, the number of employed people is increasing, reflecting the current pressure on Quebecers.

With many more users, Moisson Sud-Ouest is facing exceptional and growing pressure, and in fact ran out of certain categories of foodstuffs through its usual supply sources in 2023.

The organization points out that its employees and volunteers in the field are working hard, but are exhausted. As the effects of the rising cost of living are increasingly felt, it is the most vulnerable who are paying the price. To cope with this increased demand, the network is in need of emergency financial assistance.