In 2008, more than 700,000 Canadians were assisted each month by community food banks. With this in mind, in honour of National Hunger Awareness Day, Food Banks Canada and Kraft Canada are calling on Canadians to donate funds to their local food banks. From June 2-12, Kraft will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000, so food banks can buy essential food for Canadians in need.

The economic downturn is forcing Canadians to use food banks more than ever. Last year, The Salvation Army across Canada saw a significant rise in demand for its services through food banks.

Dennis, 44, was forced to use a Salvation Army food bank when he was recently laid off. “I fell behind in my mortgage payments. The bank reclaimed my house. Suddenly I was homeless and without food. I just got an apartment. If this food bank wasn’t here I would be forced to look in dumpsters to survive.”

Hunger is a growing problem in Canada. “I was forced to quit work a year ago due to a back injury,” says 42-year-old Mike. “After I pay the rent, I don’t have much money left. Without the food bank I’m not sure what I would do.”

Mike and Dennis are among hundreds of thousands who have met with hard times and must turn to food banks to ensure survival. Both of these gentlemen once donated to Salvation Army food banks. They are now recipients.

Beyond food banks The Salvation Army provides hot meals to the homeless and school breakfast and lunch programs throughout the year trying to deal with the realities of hunger. Last year, The Salvation Army provided 2.3 million meals to the hungry.

As industries continue to collapse, the need for assistance continues to rise. Donations are not keeping pace with the new demand.

Everyone can play a part in reducing hunger. You can volunteer at the local food bank, organize a food drive, or donate food or funds.