Rising food prices are forcing more Canadians to seek support, with thousands lining up for free groceries in Calgary.
According to CTV News, in a distribution program run by the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, volunteers distributed approximately 80,000 pounds of potatoes along with other essential items. The line stretched for blocks, with some people waiting for more than an hour.
Evan Godfrey told CTV News: “The lineup is impressive. I think there are a lot of people who are having a tough time. The cost of groceries has basically doubled compared to most of my other bills.”
Volunteers say demand is exceeding those who traditionally rely on food aid. Darshan Khunkhun told the outlet: “For some people, it’s absolutely necessary. For other people it may not be absolutely necessary, but what it does is give them a little bit of flexibility.”
Statistics Canada data shows grocery prices rose 4.4 per cent year over year.
“If you look at the data, our incomes have been lagging behind inflation for many years. That’s where the problem lies,” economist Moshe Lander told CTV.
Officials say efforts are underway to address affordability concerns.
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