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The Sensitivity of Food Bank Visits to Social Assistance, Housing and Labour Market Conditions in Toronto

Author

Listed:
  • Ron Kneebone

    (University of Calgary)

  • Margarita Wilkins

    (University of Calgary)

Abstract

We make use of monthly data describing the number of visits to food banks operated by the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto. We identify the extent to which food bank visits may be associated with changes to public policies, to changes in the cost of shelter and to changes in labour market conditions. Our measures of these changes are those that are relevant to individuals and families with limited incomes and limited abilities to borrow or save. We find that the number of visits to food banks is sensitive to measures of all three of these types of changes; food bank visits increase with increases in rent, with falls in the minimum wage and with reductions in the disability benefits available to people requiring social assistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Ron Kneebone & Margarita Wilkins, 2022. "The Sensitivity of Food Bank Visits to Social Assistance, Housing and Labour Market Conditions in Toronto," SPP Research Papers, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, vol. 15(10), March.
    • Handle: RePEc:clh:resear:v:15:y:2022:i:10
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ali Jadidzadeh & Ron Kneebone, 2018. "Patterns and Intensity of Use of Homeless Shelters in Toronto," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 44(4), pages 342-355, December.
    2. Rachel Loopstra & Valerie Tarasuk, 2012. "The Relationship between Food Banks and Household Food Insecurity among Low-Income Toronto Families," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 38(4), pages 497-514, December.
    3. J. C. Herbert Emery & Aaron C. Bartoo & Jesse Matheson & Ana Ferrer & Sharon I. Kirkpatrick & Valerie Tarasuk & Lynn McIntyre, 2012. "Evidence of the Association between Household Food Insecurity and Heating Cost Inflation in Canada, 1998-2001," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 38(2), pages 181-215, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ron Kneebone & Margarita Wilkins, 2023. "How Many Housed People in Calgary are at Risk of Homelessness?," SPP Briefing Papers, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, vol. 16(33), October.

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