In the shadow of Saint John’s industrial skyline, a quiet crisis is unfolding as local food banks report alarming increases in demand during the first months of 2024. The surge reflects a troubling economic reality for many residents who increasingly find themselves making impossible choices between paying bills and putting food on the table.
“We’ve seen approximately a 30% increase in new clients since January,” reveals Melissa Crawford, executive director at the Saint John Community Food Basket. “These aren’t just people who’ve been chronically unemployed—we’re seeing working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and young professionals who simply can’t stretch their paychecks far enough anymore.”
The Community Food Basket isn’t alone in facing this mounting pressure. Across the city, similar organizations report their resources being stretched thin as inflation continues to erode purchasing power for essential items. The Saint John Food Bank Alliance, which coordinates services between multiple emergency food providers, notes that several neighborhood pantries have had to reduce distribution days simply to manage inventory.
“What’s particularly concerning is the demographic shift we’re witnessing,” explains Dr. Helen Morgan, an economist specializing in Canadian social policy. “Five years ago, approximately 12% of food bank users nationally were employed. Today, that figure approaches 20% in cities like Saint John. The working poor represent the fastest-growing segment of food insecurity in New Brunswick.”
Behind these statistics are real people facing genuine hardship. James Thornton, a 38-year-old construction worker and father of two, shared his experience: “I never thought I’d need to use a food bank. I work full-time, but with rent increases and groceries costing what they do now, some weeks we just can’t make it without help. It’s humbling, but I’m grateful the service exists.”
Food bank operators point to multiple factors driving the increased need. Housing costs in Saint John have risen approximately 15% over the past two years, while grocery prices continue to outpace wage growth. According to Statistics Canada data, food inflation hit 5.9% in April, significantly higher than the overall inflation rate.
The provincial government has acknowledged the problem but faces criticism that existing support programs aren’t keeping pace with economic realities. “We’re essentially applying band-aid solutions to a systemic issue,” notes Crawford. “Without addressing the root causes of food insecurity—inadequate wages, insufficient social assistance rates, and affordable housing shortages—we’ll continue seeing these numbers climb.”
Community response has been robust, with local businesses and individuals increasing donations to help meet demand. The Port City Grocers Association recently announced a collective commitment to provide $50,000 in food and supplies to area food banks this year, while several faith communities have expanded their meal programs.
However, food bank directors emphasize that charity alone cannot solve the underlying issues. “We’re grateful for every donation, but we also need to have serious conversations about policy changes,” says Crawford. “A living wage, better social supports, and affordable housing strategies are essential if we want to reverse this trend.”
As summer approaches—typically a period when donations decrease while family need increases due to children being home from school—food banks are preparing for even greater challenges. The question facing Saint John now extends beyond how to feed more hungry residents: how will our community address the systemic factors that have made food banks an essential service for working families rather than just a safety net for those in crisis?
