In 2012, close to 900,000 people were assisted each month by a food bank in Canada.
This is essentially unchanged from 2010, and remains 31% above levels experienced before the 2008-2009 recession.
Collecting and distributing food where it's needed is only one of the services provided by food banks across Canada.
Many of the locations strive to make more and more people self-sufficient. This involves assisting individuals in their search for jobs, offering skills training or childcare, connecting to community services, and finding safe, affordable housing.
“In our affluent country, it is often hard to come to grips with the hardships of so many others,” says Katharine Schmidt, the executive director at Food Banks Canada.
“And indeed, hunger is not just an issue in the poorest communities. A recent poll by Angus Reid indicated close to half of Canadians said they know someone who has used a food bank, so it's evident that hungry people are in every community.
Out of the blue an illness can occur, so can a job loss, and soon that person is unable to provide food for their family, let alone themselves. Bad breaks can happen to anyone.”
In addition to providing basic food support, food banks also try to combat the root cause.
Dianne Swinemar from FEED NOVA SCOTIA illustrates: “By supporting individuals with job training skills, budgeting, and community service information, it puts them on a path to move beyond food banks to self-sufficiency.”
To date, Schmidt adds, at least 1,200 food banks countrywide are providing at least one service beyond food assistance.
As many as 58 per cent of the locations offer community service information and 52 per cent offer non-food items, such as laundry detergent, diapers, and bathing products.
When personal and home care items are provided, families can re-assign that money to food.
“Even supporting financial literacy can make a significant difference to the future,” Swinemar points out.
“Everyone can use a helping hand when it comes to budgeting – and this skill is even more crucial when every dollar must be stretched.”
Overall good health and fitness are also a priority, says Schmidt. “Our data reports that 40 per cent of food banks help people manage key health issues, like diabetes.
Those locations also give nutritional information and education, such as counseling sessions with dietitians – and one in five food banks are now organizing community vegetable gardens.
“Growing food is a perfect way to increase the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, while simultaneously building community spirit, teaching skills, and giving individuals a sense of accomplishment.”
With raised awareness about hunger across the entire country, everyone can become part of a real solution.
More information is available online at HungerAwarenessWeek.ca.
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