Premmata Jowata, a single mother, has been relying on the Depot Community Food Centre in NDG for about a year due to financial struggles. The organization, which has been serving the community since 1986, offers a food bank with high-quality food and a restaurant that provides freshly cooked meals for free. However, the Depot has been facing high demand without any additional funding, leading to the decision to reduce its services. Starting in July, the restaurant will close on Fridays, decreasing its meal service from four days a week to three. Lack of resources has prevented the organization from hiring more staff or increasing meal production to meet the growing demand.
Tasha Lackman, the Depot Community Food Centre’s executive director, explained that the organization’s budget increased by 40% over the past two fiscal years, while demand for its food bank and restaurant tripled. The restaurant now serves about 300 people on busy days, up from 200 in the past. Lackman mentioned that the Depot provided $20,000 worth of emergency food baskets and served approximately $45,000 worth of meals last year, setting record numbers. However, these figures are not seen as positive achievements in the non-profit sector, as they reflect the ongoing affordability and housing crises that contribute to food insecurity as an income issue.
Despite the crucial services provided by organizations like the Depot, the funding from government sources is limited, with less than 18% coming from all three levels of government and only 3.5% from the province. The Quebec Health and Social Services Ministry acknowledged the importance of community organizations like the Depot and noted an indexation of nearly three percent in funding under the Community Organization Support Program. However, Lackman emphasized that food banks throughout the city are struggling to meet the increasing demand, and without more investment from all levels of government, the situation is likely to worsen before any improvements are seen.
The challenges faced by the Depot Community Food Centre are not unique, as Lackman highlighted the struggles of food banks across the city in keeping up with demand. Without increased investments in organizations addressing food insecurity, the situation is expected to deteriorate further. Lackman emphasized the importance of government support in addressing the affordability crisis, housing crisis, and income-related food insecurity issues. The current funding levels are insufficient to meet the growing needs of the community, and Lackman urged all levels of government to recognize the urgency of the situation and prioritize investments in addressing food insecurity in the city.
In conclusion, the Depot Community Food Centre in NDG has been a vital resource for individuals like Premmata Jowata who are facing financial struggles and food insecurity. However, the organization is grappling with high demand and limited funding, leading to the reduction of services at the restaurant. Lackman emphasized the need for increased government investment in organizations dealing with food insecurity to address the underlying issues of affordability, housing, and income disparities. Without adequate support, the situation is likely to worsen, impacting vulnerable individuals and families who rely on these essential services. It is imperative for all levels of government to prioritize funding for community organizations like the Depot to ensure the well-being of those experiencing food insecurity in the city.