Turning evidence into policy change
Feed Ontario advocates for public policy solutions that address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity in Ontario. Our policy recommendations are informed by real-time food bank use data, research and evidence, and the expertise of people with lived experience.
Our advocacy work is focused on practical, achievable policy changes that can improve income security and reduce food insecurity. As the provincial association of food banks in Ontario, we also work with coalitions and partners to advance broader systemic change in Ontario and across Canada.
What we are working on
Food insecurity and poverty are complex issues that require long-term, systemic solutions. While there is no single policy that can solve either, practical changes to public policy can make a meaningful difference. By using data, evidence, and the experiences of people who rely on Ontario’s food banks, Feed Ontario is focused on advocating for achievable policy changes that can improve income security and help end hunger.
Right now, Feed Ontario is focused on advance two practical policy changes that can making a meaningful difference for people receiving Ontario Works.
Protecting shelter benefits to help people regain housing
When someone receiving Ontario Works no longer has a fixed address, they lose the shelter portion of their benefit. This makes it even harder to save the money needed to secure a new home.
With homelessness on the rise, Feed Ontario supports Daily Bread Food Bank’s recommendation to allow Ontario Works recipients to retain their shelter benefit in a reserve fund until new housing is secured.
This practical change would help ensure that when someone loses their housing, they don’t also lose the ability to secure a new home.
Working together for broader change
Ending food insecurity and poverty requires collaboration across sectors and all levels of government. Feed Ontario works with food banks, non-profit organizations, sector leaders, and community partners to advance broader policy solutions that improve income security, housing stability, and food security in Ontario and across Canada.
In addition to our advocacy work, Feed Ontario contributes its expertise and research to a number of coalitions and advisory committees, including:
Helping people in Ontario Works keep more of what they earn
Ontario Works is intended to help people move toward employment and greater financial stability. But under current program rules, recipients can only earn $200 per month before their support benefits are reduced. This limit hasn’t changed since 2013, despite increases in minimum wage and the cost of living.
Feed Ontario is calling on the Government of Ontario to increase the earned income exemption so people receiving Ontario Works can keep more of what they earn before their benefits are reduced.
This practical, low-cost policy change would help ensure that employment leads to greater financial stability and a stronger pathway for transitioning off Ontario Works.