Rising grocery prices are continuing to strain household budgets across Canada, with more people turning to community support as the cost of basic food remains high.

In Calgary, thousands lined up on a chilly spring day for free groceries from the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, a non-profit distributing 80,000 pounds of potatoes along with other staples.

The line stretched for blocks, with some people waiting for more than an hour. Many arrived with bags, wagons, and suitcases, hoping to stock up on essentials.

“The lineup’s impressive,” said Evan Godfrey, a Calgary resident. “I think there’s a lot of people that are kind of on harder times.”