September 21-25, 2015
Hunger Awareness Week is a growing movement to raise awareness about the solvable problem of hunger in Canada. Food banks across the country host events during Hunger Awareness Week to tell the story of the work they do and the stories of the hungry Canadians who use food banks.
Hundreds of thousands of Canadians use food banks because they do not have enough money to feed themselves or their families. Children, seniors, people with disabilities and regular people who have jobs and still can’t make ends meet.
Hunger in Canada exists because deep and persistent poverty continues in the country. Diverse and inter-related factors sustain this situation: a labour market that fails to provide enough jobs with stable, livable wages; a rise in precarious and non-standard employment; a fraying income security system that does not provide sufficient financial support for those in need; a lack of affordable, social housing; and accessible and affordable child care. People living in poverty cannot afford sufficient, nutritious food. Many turn to food banks to help them meet this most basic need. To learn more about food bank use in Canada, click here.
Hunger in Canada can be alleviated. Everyone can play a part in reducing hunger. You can volunteer at the food bank, donate food or donate funds, approach local representatives, and spread the word or organize drives at various milieus (work place, faith groups, schools, etc). Click here for more ideas.
For more about our local Food Bank, click here