TORONTO /CNW/ – New research from The Salvation Army Canada finds that many Canadians continue to struggle to meet their basic needs with food affordability, inflation and housing security challenges persisting as top issues.

As one of the largest non-governmental direct providers of social services in Canada, The Salvation Army produces the biannual Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis to better understand the attitudes, behaviours and experiences of Canadians on issues such as the availability of housing and food, general affordability and related health outcomes.

Due to overwhelming feedback from policymakers, news media and other stakeholders, The Salvation Army will now produce the Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis twice a year, in the spring and fall. This will allow The Salvation Army to quantify the demand for ongoing social services provided and help the organization to better serve those in need.

The most recent research shows Canadians rank health care, inflation and food affordability as their top concerns. These findings are in line with The Salvation Army’s internal data, which reveal households that were inactive in reaching out for help are now active, and the number of new households seeking assistance, such as food, clothing, furniture and emergency housing, is on the rise.

The report finds that 26 percent of Canadians polled continue to be extremely concerned about having enough income to cover their basic needs, and that concerns around food security are on the rise. While seven percent of respondents said they recently accessed a food bank, food hamper or community meal program (up from six percent in October 2023), the percentage of first-time users is up sharply, to 61 percent compared to 43 Percent in October 2023.

“The increase in first-time users of food banks is an alarming indicator of the conditions that many Canadians are facing,” said Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “We often find that when people show up at a food bank it can be the tip of the iceberg for additional issues they may be facing. The Salvation Army is committed to a holistic approach in supporting people through partnerships that help create a positive impact on individuals and families.”

The number of respondents who said they had skipped or reduced the size of at least one meal increased to 26 percent, up from 21 percent previously (October 2023). More Canadians also said they’d bought less nutritious food to save money and had reduced their grocery bill to pay for other necessities.

On financial issues, 72 percent of respondents described challenges managing limited financial resources in the past year, including cutting back on non-essential needs (59 percent), changing habits to save money (52 percent) and using savings or going into debt to afford basic needs (36 percent).

“Despite easing inflation numbers, life is still difficult for many Canadians,” said Murray. “Food insecurity is just one symptom facing people today. At The Salvation Army, our vision is to reduce barriers and address the root causes of poverty, working together with people to achieve their goals in overcoming them.”

Last year, more than three million visits were made to The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda for assistance, including 2.1 million visits for food, clothing or practical help, 438,000 visits for Christmas food hampers and toys, and 3.2 million community meals.

Survey Methodology:

This report contains findings from research conducted by Edelman Data & Intelligence on behalf of The Salvation Army to uncover Canadians’ attitudes and experiences with poverty and related socioeconomic issues.

The study was conducted March 11-14, 2024, among a nationally representative sample of 1,515 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted on age, gender and region. Note: Canadians living in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut were not included in the survey.

For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. And, where a margin of error is not available, the research department provides a comparable one so that the audience can have some context to the value of the poll.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with substance-use recovery; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance, such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes, such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of people in your community. 

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at https://salvationarmy.ca/
A list of regional media representatives can be found at: https://salvationarmy.ca/news-and-media/media-contacts/

SOURCE The Salvation Army

CAMDEN, N.J. /PRNewswire/ — Pickle lovers, rejoice! Fans asked, and Goldfish^® answered in the most dillicious way. America’s favorite fish-shaped cracker is introducing a new limited-edition Goldfish Spicy Dill Pickle cracker. The new flavor is the perfect balance of tangy dill pickle with the spicy kick of red chili peppers on Goldfish Original crackers.

“Fan passion for new Goldfish flavors is a constant source of inspiration for us,” said Janda Lukin, SVP and Chief Marketing Office of Campbell’s Snacks. “Overwhelming demand on social media and even a petition for a pickle flavor fueled the creation of our new Spicy Dill Pickle cracker. This delicious and craveable summer snack is sure to satisfy Goldfish and pickle enthusiasts alike.”

With over 300 million pickle related posts on TikTok¹ and 53 million Americans requesting extra spice², Goldfish Spicy Dill Pickle flavor crackers combine flavor and fandom with its latest limited-edition cracker. Spicy Dill Pickle joins a long line of delicious, limited offerings including Goldfish OLD BAY seasoned crackers, Goldfish Hello Kitty^® strawberry shortcake flavored grahams, Goldfish Elf™ maple syrup flavored grahams and more.

Available for a limited time only, grab this wow-worthy flavor for a summer gathering or to get you out of an afternoon hunger pickle. Goldfish Spicy Dill Pickle flavored crackers are the perfect snack and are available for a limited time in national retailers starting this June for an SRP of $3.69. For more information on Goldfish crackers, visit https://www.pepperidgefarm.com/product-categories/goldfish-crackers/.

¹ Source: TikTok, May 2024
² Source: Grubhub, 2024

About Pepperidge Farm^® 
Pepperidge Farm^® is a leading brand of premium quality snacks, fresh bakery products, and frozen foods, founded in 1937, The Pepperidge Farm^® brand includes nearly 100 different snacks including over 30 varieties of Goldfish^® crackers and 65 varieties of cookies. The portfolio includes iconic Goldfish^® crackers, Milano cookies, and Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Thin & Crispy cookies and more than 50 varieties of fresh baked breads including Pepperidge Farm Swirl, Farmhouse and Whole Grain and frozen Puff Pastry, Layer Cakes and Garlic Bread. Founded by Margaret Rudkin, an entrepreneurial homemaker who began baking fresh, wholesome bread for her allergy-afflicted son, Pepperidge Farm branded products are now in approximately 75 percent of homes nationwide. As of Fall 2022, all Pepperidge Farm signature paper bags are considered recyclable. For more information, visit www.pepperidgefarm.com or follow Pepperidge Farm on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. For more about Campbell Soup Company visit www.campbellsoupcompany.com.

CONTACT: Nirmala Singh, nirmala.singh@zenogroup.com 

SOURCE Campbell Soup Company

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

In a recent development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall on three soft drink products produced by Charles Boggini Company. The recall was initiated by the company due to undeclared ingredients in their Pink Lemonade, Cola Flavoring Base, and Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X. These undisclosed components have now been classified by their risk level, helping consumers make informed decisions regarding their health and wellbeing.

Understanding the Risk Levels:
The FDA classifies health hazards into three levels: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I indicates the most severe risk, where the product has the potential to cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.” Class II signifies that exposure or use of the product might result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Class III denotes a situation where the product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences.

Recall Details:
The recalled soft drinks include 28 gallons of Pink Lemonade, 2,723 gallons of the Cola Flavoring Base, and 112 gallons of Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X. The Pink Lemonade and Cola Flavoring Base were classified as Class II health hazards, while the Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X products received a Class III categorization. It’s important to note that these recalls were voluntary and initiated by Charles Boggini Company in March this year.

Undisclosed Ingredients:
The Pink Lemonade was found to contain undeclared FD&C Red No. 40, the Cola Flavoring Base contained undisclosed sulfites, and the Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X contained undeclared FD&C Yellow No. 5.

FD&C Red No. 40:
FD&C Red No. 40, also known as E129, is a red dye used in a wide range of products worldwide. While various organizations agree that dietary exposure to this dye is generally not a health concern, some studies have suggested potential links to allergies, migraines, and mental disorders, particularly ADHD in children. Consequently, the FDA mandates that any product containing this dye must declare it as an ingredient. Failure to comply can lead to product recalls.

Sulfites:
Sulfites, commonly used as preservatives in food products, were found in the Cola Flavoring Base. Although the FDA requires sulfites to be declared in food products with a level over 10 ppm (parts per million), some individuals may have sensitivities to sulfites. These sensitivities can manifest as skin reactions, digestive issues, or respiratory problems.

FD&C Yellow No. 5:
The Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X were found to contain FD&C Yellow No. 5, also called tartrazine or E102. This synthetic food dye is commonly used in soda, colored candy, and pastries. For individuals with asthma or an aspirin intolerance, allergic and intolerance reactions may occur.

Customer safety and well-being are of utmost importance, and the voluntary recall by Charles Boggini Company, along with FDA classifications of the health hazards posed by undeclared ingredients, demonstrates their commitment to consumer protection. By being aware of the potential risks associated with undisclosed ingredients, individuals can make informed choices and support a culture of transparency in the food and beverage industry.

Check out the article in Newsweek.

https://www.newsweek.com/fda-food-recall-soda-food-dye-sulfites-1907882

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage