They came to Quebec to work. Now these migrant workers cannot afford to buy food

When Geno García Radilla first arrived in Canada, he never imagined he'd be relying on a food bank.

But after two years of working in the hospitality industry, García Radilla is now among several temporary foreign workers requiring food assistance in Quebec's central Charlevoix region.

"That wasn't part of the dream," said García Radilla, 32, from Acapulco, Mexico.

"It's depressing. It makes us think about a lot of things.… Even returning to your home country."

Things started to go sideways when he lost his job at a boutique hotel in October.

He quickly found himself running through his savings, in debt and unable to apply for a job elsewhere because he had a closed work permit which prevented him from changing employers.

"I never thought I'd be in this situation," he said. "Being unemployed for so long, staying home, it's not something we're used to."

The region has dealt with several crises over the past three years, according to Bouchard, the director of a local food bank. She says the pandemic, coupled with the housing shortage and spring flooding, has driven up prices at a time when more newcomers are settling in the region for work.

"In 2020, Club Med opened so we're talking about a lot of new immigrant workers and there are also a lot of companies that welcomed immigrants," said Bouchard.

"When they arrive in a new country, they arrive with not a lot of savings. I'd say it's rare for people to have more than $2,000 in their account."

She says families often prioritize rent, furniture, and basic needs for their children.

"The cost of products is increasing, especially groceries. Unfortunately, for families, it's the first budget item that's going to be cut," said Bouchard.

She says the only way their food bank was able to keep up was through donations.

Luis Shirasago, a migrant worker from Mexico City, has been relying on the food bank for over a month.

"With employment insurance, it's not enough to buy all my food, pay the rent," said Shirasago.

He says food from the grocery store cost him about $100 a week — something he can no longer afford after being fired from his job at Club Med in October.

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