MPP Gates calls for immediate action in response to skyrocketing Niagara food bank use

QUEEN’S PARK - MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls riding) called for action today as food bank usage skyrockets across Ontario – especially in Niagara Falls.

“We are seeing an affordability crisis in Ontario and people in my community in Niagara are accessing food banks in record numbers,” said Gates. “Despite this dire situation, the Premier thinks we should be spending $650 million of hard-earned tax dollars on a private luxury spa in downtown Toronto.”

A recent report from Feed Ontario revealed that more than 800,000 Ontarians used a food bank between April 2022 and March 2023 – an increase of 38% province-wide.

In Niagara Falls, Project SHARE’s food bank served more than 11,000 people – a total of one in every eight residents. That represents a staggering 71% increase from 2022.

“We learned last week that even people with full time jobs are accessing food banks to keep up with the cost of living,” said Gates. “We need a Premier who will put people first. Ford only seems to care about his wealthy insiders and land speculators. Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP are going to keep fighting to bring forward real solutions to help make life easier”.