Food bank use in Toronto area rises by 79%.

"Hunger is at an all time high," said Gail Nyborg, Executive Director of Daily Bread. The organization released its annual assessment, Who's Hungry: 2006 Profile of Hunger in the GTA.

According'to the report, food bank use across the Greater Toronto Area has risen by 79% since 1995. The report indicated that 894,017 people were provided emergency food services last year through Toronto area food banks. Among the characteristics noted are these:

* children were 38% of the clients;

* the number of children going hungry at least once increased by 100%;

* client households have an average monthly income of $954;

* 40% of clients have used food banks for over 18 months.

The average household using food bank services would need only $250 monthly to supplement their current income in order to avoid food bank reliance, the report indicates.

"Food banks are in a crisis holding pattern because of the economy's relative stability," Nyborg said. "Any downturn will cause all hell to break loose. The root cause of hunger is poverty and the cost of living is rising."

Daily Bread also issued Blueprint to Fight Hunger that urges political and community action on behalf of these individuals. The Blueprint proposes solutions by addressing hunger in five key areas: children, working poor, people with disabilities, immigrants and housing.

www.dailybread.ca