Food bank use in Niagara-on-the-Lake has more than doubled in recent years, highlighting a growing crisis of food insecurity that extends far beyond what most residents imagine in this picturesque wine country community.
A comprehensive study by Brock University researchers reveals a troubling 120% increase in food bank visits between 2019 and 2023 in NOTL, a trend that mirrors broader regional challenges but stands out in a municipality often associated with affluence and tourism.
“People are genuinely shocked when they hear these numbers,” says Cindy Grant, who chairs Newark Neighbours, the town’s only food bank. “The perception of Niagara-on-the-Lake doesn’t match the reality that many residents face daily.”
The research, conducted through Brock’s Faculty of Social Sciences, paints a portrait of hidden poverty beneath the town’s charming exterior. Faculty lead Dr. Sarah Williams explains that rising housing costs combined with the seasonal nature of tourism employment has created a perfect storm for working families.
“Many NOTL residents work in hospitality and agriculture—sectors with inconsistent hours and income. When you pair that with housing costs that have risen nearly 45% in five years, even dual-income households find themselves making impossible choices between rent and groceries,” Williams told me during a visit to the campus research center.
What makes this situation particularly concerning is how it impacts the town’s demographics. Newark Neighbours reports that nearly 30% of their clients are seniors on fixed incomes, while another 40% are families with children.
Walking through the food bank’s small facility on John Street, Grant showed me shelves that require constant restocking. “Three years ago, we served approximately 35 households monthly. Now we’re helping more than 80 households every month, representing over 200 individuals. And these numbers keep climbing.”
Town councillor Sandra O’Connor acknowledges the disconnect between perception and reality. “People see our beautiful vineyards and historic downtown and assume everyone here is doing fine. The truth is, many service industry workers, agricultural laborers, and even some small business owners are struggling significantly.”
The provincial minimum wage of $16.55 per hour falls far short of what researchers calculate as a living wage in the Niagara Region—currently estimated at $20.65 per hour. This gap creates significant hardship for working families who find themselves increasingly turning to Newark Neighbours for support.
Beyond the numbers, the human stories reveal the depth of the problem. During my reporting, I met Elizabeth (name changed to protect privacy), a single mother of two who works at a local winery. Despite full-time employment during peak season, she faces reduced hours during winter months when tourism slows.
“I never imagined I’d need a food bank,” she told me quietly. “I work hard, I budget carefully, but when my hours get cut and the bills keep coming, there’s just nowhere else to turn some weeks.”
The issue extends beyond food insecurity. Newark Neighbours operates a thrift store alongside their food bank, with proceeds helping fund food purchases. Volunteers report increased demand for children’s clothing and household necessities, further indicating financial strain across the community.
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa points to several factors behind these trends. “The pandemic accelerated existing challenges with housing affordability, while inflation has hit hardest those with the least financial flexibility,” he explains. “Our council is working on affordable housing initiatives, but these solutions take time to implement.”
The Brock study highlights several concerning patterns. Food bank usage spikes particularly during January and February when seasonal work is scarce. Additionally, 25% of clients report having to choose between paying utilities and purchasing food during winter months.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that 65% of Newark Neighbours clients report being employed, challenging stereotypes about food bank users. This aligns with Food Banks Canada’s 2023 HungerCount report, which identified a nationwide trend of working households requiring food assistance.
Niagara Region Public Health nutritionist Maria Rodriguez sees concerning health implications. “Food insecurity directly impacts physical and mental health. When families cut food budgets, they often sacrifice nutrition first, which can lead to long-term health issues.”
Community response has been strong but stretched. Local vineyards, restaurants, and farms contribute regularly to the food bank. The annual Candlelight Stroll, traditionally a holiday celebration, now incorporates significant fundraising for Newark Neighbours.
“The generosity of this community is remarkable,” Grant notes. “But charity alone can’t solve structural problems. We need policy solutions addressing affordable housing, living wages, and food security.”
As our conversation concluded, I watched volunteers prepare food packages for the week ahead. A handwritten note of thanks was attached to each—a small reminder of the dignity that Newark Neighbours strives to provide alongside practical assistance.
The growing gap between NOTL’s prosperous image and the daily reality for many residents presents hard questions for the community. As winter approaches, Newark Neighbours anticipates further increases in need, highlighting the urgency of both immediate support and long-term solutions.
For information on donating or accessing services, Newark Neighbours can be reached through their website or by phone at their John Street location.
