Subway’s Post

According to the most recent data from Statistics Canada, household food insecurity has reached a record high in Canada’s ten provinces. The University of Toronto’s latest report on Household Food Insecurity in Canada, drawing on the Canadian Income Survey by StatCan, reveals that the percentage of households facing inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints increased from 15.9% in 2021 to 17.8% in 2022. This translates to 6.9 million Canadians, including almost 1.8 million children under the age of 18. As Canada’s only national school nutrition delivery organization, we express our dissatisfaction with the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement, which falls significantly short in addressing the urgent crisis faced by children. The latest budgetary allocations lack the comprehensive measures necessary to effectively address access to nutritious food for all in our society. Urgent action is needed to ensure no child goes to school hungry. The Liberals should have by now honoured their electoral promise of 2021 to prioritize the well-being of the nation’s children by revisiting and reinforcing its commitment to implementing a National School Food Policy. This year, once again, it is failing on its promises to children “, comments Tommy Kulczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer at Breakfast Club of Canada. https://lnkd.in/gcRYVQgK

As a member of The Coalition for Healthy School Food, CPJ celebrates this announcement allocating $1B over 5 years for the creation of a national school food program. Thanks and congratulations to Coalition for Healthy School Food (Canada) and Food Secure Canada / Réseau pour une alimentation durable for your leadership and advocacy! Did you know? - Canada is the only G7 country without a national school food program. Canada ranks 37th out of 41 among the world’s richest countries when it comes to providing healthy food for kids. - School food programs promote healthy and culturally appropriate eating habits, locally sourced foods, and improved student well-being and study habits. - School food programs have also been shown to have broad, positive impacts on families, communities, and the economy by reducing household food costs, creating jobs, and strengthening sustainable food systems. To read the article, visit https://lnkd.in/d6zcXHXd For more information on Healthy School Food, visit healthyschoolfood.ca #Canadaschoolfoodprogram #endpoverty #povertyeradication #socialjustice #Canada #CPJ #publicjustice

Our 2024 Canadian Government continues to promote national social & economic instability, support for irresponsible corporate behavior by uplifting Loblaws, other corporate greed food pricing magnate by implementing a $1billion dollar national food program over 5 years that does nothing to address the root cause of the problem: corporate | stakeholder greed that lines pockets with hungry Canadian Citizens' $. Force businesses to reduce exorbitant high food prices or a tiered food pricing: one for the rich, for families; for the poor; for Seniors...we have the technology & the knowledge...not the will. Frustration with the CAD Govt's approach to addressing issues related to corporate behavior and food insecurity has grown beyond what the CAD Govt's resources can handle – this is the CAD Govt's response to its lack of resources to handle the number of complaints it is receiving. It's crucial for the CAD Govt. to prioritize policies that effectively address the root causes of societal challenges, rather than merely providing temporary solutions or bolstering irresponsible corporate behavior. If you believe that the gov'ts current approach is inadequate, consider taking the following steps to advocate for change: engage in advocacy efforts and work collaboratively...you can contribute to bringing about positive change and hold our National Gov't accountable to address the root causes of social & economic instability...includes national food insecurity; national work insecurity; national healthcare insecurity...collectively we have power - it's why the govt. has proposed this flimsy, paper-thin promise. ""Canada is the only G7 country that does not have a national school food program, according to the Breakfast Club of Canada..."" Spending $1 billion over five years to implement | launch a national school food program, hoping to deliver meals to an additional 400,000 children per year, the program does not address the root cause of an entire country that has entire families going hungry every minute of every day in Canada: grandmas, grandpas, mothers, fathers, stepmothers, stepfathers, children, stepchildren, adults, seniors… While both "implement" and "launch" involve taking action to introduce or execute something, "implement" focuses on the execution or carrying out of a plan, decision, or agreement, while "launch" emphasizes the introduction or initiation of something new, often with a public announcement or event: none, zero $$$ of that $1Billion Dollars will go to purchasing the food to feed the supposed 400,000 Canadian school-aged children. The CAD Gov't. has not said how the funds are being allocated & to whom: Canada has 10 provinces, 3 territories with citizens who are all hungry. If the funds are not being directed towards purchasing food to feed the intended beneficiaries, it raises questions about the effectiveness and transparency of the program. https://lnkd.in/g-MaidJd

Today at 4pm, my workplace Sustain: The Australian Food Network, is hosting a FREE webinar on Food Insecurity in Victoria - The Role of the State Government. A topic very dear to my heart. Join the other 133 attendees to hear about the current situation with food security issues in Vic, with the latest updates on the Parliamentary Inquiries from my Sustain colleagues. ‼️ ⏰ We'll keep the ticketing open till 2.30 pm for last minute attendees. ⏰ ‼️ Speakers include Rebecca Dalrymple, Food Systems Officer from City of Greater Bendigo and the Kerry Farrance, Head of Design and Evaluation, Give Where You Live Foundation. Both organisations have worked for years strengthening food security and dignified access for community members in the Greater Bendigo and G21 regions respectively. Webinar facilitator: Dr. Nick Rose, Executive Director, Sustain: The Australian Food Network Learn about: 🍉 Some key statistics and research from Greater Bendigo and the G21 on the scale and nature of the issue of food poverty and food insecurity; 🥕 The types of locally-driven and community-led solutions and responses; 🥦 What policy, financing and other actions need to be taken by the Victorian government to address this growing social problem that is causing so much suffering throughout the state. We especially invite frontline agencies and anyone who works in the food relief sector, along with all Victorians concerned about food security to join and share your views and experiences. Not heard of the inquiry? To bring you up to date: The Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee (LSC) is conducting an important Inquiry into food security in Victoria. Sustain welcomes this Inquiry. Many Victorians are experiencing hardship and distress amidst one of the worst cost of living crises in recent memory. Caused by the burden of rapidly rising housing costs combined with sustained food price inflation placing growing pressure on household food budgets. Meanwhile, food relief agencies report unprecedented demand for their services. We believe the state government needs to take a strong and effective action as a matter of high priority to address this hidden food poverty crisis. This Inquiry is an important first step as it will provide front-line agencies and Victorians - especially those with lived experience of food poverty and food insecurity - to make their experiences and views known to inform the recommendations that the LSC will make in its report due in late November this year. Bookings essential via link below. Gate closes at 2.30pm folks. Would love to see you there!

Hey, did you know that the demand for food at our local food pantries has increased 112% over the last two years?!? #Foodinsecurity is a real problem in our communities. See the article below in The CAP Times with information from WayForward Resources, The River Food Pantry, and other local area food pantries on real statistics and how we can help. #communityimpact https://lnkd.in/gpCgFAAm

🗣️| “It’s time to show Canadians what good public policy can do for them. And in the case of a national school nutritious meal program, good public policy will indeed be good politics.” writes Tyler Meredith in his most recent article published by the Toronto Star.  Why the need for a National School Food Program?  Data from 2021 shows that nearly 1-in-5 households with children were food insecure. Among single parents — mothers in particular — the rate is nearly 40 per cent. And these numbers have likely gotten worse over the last 24 months. All the provinces and territories now fund school food programs but they need a federal partner. A program like this can move quickly and be built in ways that will be directly visible to families by lowering the cost and burden on parents in need. Thanks to the power of bulk purchasing, there is a real opportunity to do something transformative. In an affordability crisis like today, action matters.  To learn more, read the op-ed by Tyler Meredith published in the Toronto Star! ⬇️

In recent months, a concerning trend has emerged in the realm of food security, affecting not just ordinary citizens, but also those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation – U.S. military families and veterans. The revelation that food insecurity among these groups has been consistently hovering around double the national average is both a distressing revelation and a call to action for our society. According to a Texas Public Radio report and data from the U.S. Census, a staggering 20% of active-duty military respondents to a 2021 survey reported experiencing food insecurity, with over 10% even facing hunger. This is a harsh reality that unveils the unspoken challenges faced by those who have selflessly put themselves in harm's way for our country. The U.S. Department of Defense’s statistics paint a troubling picture as well – in 2020, approximately 24% of active-duty service members were food insecure. This distressing trend is not a recent phenomenon; as far back as 2014-2015, almost half of students in the U.S. Department of Defense schools qualified for reduced-price meals. The multifaceted nature of this issue demands a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to these alarmingly high rates of food insecurity. Factors such as low pay, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, physical and mental health issues stemming from service, limited access to support services, geographical location, and even stigma and pride, all intersect to create a complex web of challenges. Addressing these concerns requires both a comprehensive policy approach and community-driven initiatives. Efforts are underway, such as food assistance programs, collaborations with local food banks, and awareness campaigns, to ensure that military personnel and veterans receive the support they need. The U.S. Senate's recent passage of the Military Family Basic Needs Allowance as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act is a step toward closing the gaps in the social safety net, although its efficacy as a long-term solution remains subject to debate. It is imperative that as a society, we recognize the sacrifices made by those who serve and take concrete steps to alleviate their food insecurity. Initiatives such as connecting military families with organizations like the Military Family Advisory Network and local food banks, as well as accessing resources through Blue Star Families and Military.com, can make a substantial difference in addressing this pressing issue. The dire consequences of food insecurity extend beyond individual well-being; it has the potential to affect the readiness and morale of our armed forces, ultimately impacting national security. As we acknowledge and honor the service of our military personnel and veterans, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that their basic needs are met and that they never feel alone in their struggle. #FoodSecurity #MilitaryFamilies #VeteransSupport

🌟 Addressing Food Insecurity: Access to Free Meals Delivered 🍲 Everyone deserves access to nutritious food. Explore the availability of #FreeFood delivered to those in need. Let's collaborate and spread the word to ensure individuals facing financial constraints have access to nourishing meals. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community. 💼 https://lnkd.in/dVv_p3Aj #SocialImpact #FoodSecurity