New Brunswick food banks are operating beyond capacity as rising grocery prices force more people to seek help. According to Feed N.B., the provincial food bank association, facilities across the province now see about 50,000 visits every month.

This marks a 55 percent increase from the 32,000 visits reported by Food Banks Canada in 2025. The surge places immense pressure on local resources and highlights a growing affordability crisis in the region.

Feed N.B. director Stephane Sirois told CBC News the situation is unprecedented. He noted food bank usage has never reached this level in the last 50 years.

Changing Demographics and Operational Strain

The face of food bank clients is changing. Alex Boyd is the CEO of Greener Village in Fredericton. He oversees programs like the food resource centre and learning kitchen. Boyd reports seeing an average of 90 new visitors a month over the past year.

Boyd points out a clear demographic shift. Facilities now serve more newcomers, seniors, and children. When financial situations change rapidly, people find themselves struggling to afford basic necessities.

This uptick in demand forces food banks to adapt. Organizations must become more efficient with warehousing and staffing to meet the growing need. Higher demand directly translates to greater expenses for these nonprofits.

The Reality for Families

Accessing food banks presents different challenges depending on your location. Rural residents face transportation barriers and fewer resources. Urban areas offer more resources but struggle with a higher volume of people needing assistance.

For many clients, the hardest part is overcoming the stigma. Erica Barton uses the Greener Village food bank to help feed her children. She explains that asking for help requires humility. Barton views the service as a hand up rather than a handout.

Barton relies on the food bank for nonperishable items. This allows her to spend her limited grocery budget on fresh items like milk and eggs. She notes that while junk food is cheap, feeding children healthy meals requires the basic support food banks provide.

Canadians Borrowing to Buy Groceries

The local struggle reflects a broader national trend. Dalhousie University recently released the Canadian Food Sentiment Index. The report reveals that 34 percent of Canadians now draw from savings or borrow money to buy food. This is up from 28 percent in the fall of 2025.

Sylvain Charlebois authored the report. He calls this trend a clear indicator of a K shaped economy. This economic model shows the wealthy doing better while lower income individuals face worsening conditions. Charlebois warns this signals a slow erosion of the middle class.

The study also highlights a shift in consumer priorities. Shoppers now value affordability significantly more than nutrition when navigating the grocery aisles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much have food bank visits increased in New Brunswick?

Visits have increased by 55 percent since 2025. Facilities now see about 50,000 visits per month across the province.

Who is using food banks the most right now?

Food banks report a demographic shift with more newcomers, seniors, and children relying on their services.

Are Canadians going into debt to buy food?

Yes. A recent Dalhousie University report shows 34 percent of Canadians are borrowing money or using savings to afford groceries.

How do food banks help families afford healthy food?

By providing nonperishable staples, food banks allow families to allocate their grocery budgets toward fresh items like milk, eggs, and produce.