In response to Pickering strongly urging the Ford government to significantly raise the payments of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program, Belleville sent a letter to MPP Tyler Allsopp and MPP Ric Bresee asking for a response outlining actions being taken in the local
ridings to address the increase in food insecurity, and reliance on OW and ODSP.
The letter states:
The Gleaners Foodbank (Quinte) Inc. has seen a 106% increase in their quarterly hamper distribution compared to their pre-COVID dated from 2019, and from April to June 2025 they hit a record where they averaged over 1,000 hampers per month for the first time ever.
Gleaners Foodbank (Quinte) Inc. also reported a 45% increase, compared to pre-COVID usage, in the average quarterly number of hampers distributed to clients who report relying on Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). The average pre-COVID was 1,231 per quarter, while the average for 2025 year-to-date is 1,791. During the same period, hampers distributed to clients who report their primary source of income was employment has increased by 251%. The average pre-COVID was 88 hampers per quarter, compared to the 2025 average, so far, being 309. These numbers may be even higher as a number of clients choose not to disclose their source of income.
The Ontario Works rates have been the same since October 2018 with the caseload for Hastings in April 2025 being 2,401 Ontario Works cases with 3,765 beneficiaries and 253 Temporary Care Cases with 380 child beneficiaries.
The City of Belleville respectfully requests that you reflect on these insights as you advocate for policy measures at the provincial level.
Belleville City Council looks forward to your response regarding the actions being taken in your local ridings to address poverty and food insecurity.Thank you for your attention to this matter
Allsopp’s office acknowledged receiving the letter:
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