Communities can't solve hunger alone
Hunger affects every community across Ontario. The growing need for food banks is a sign that more people and families are struggling to afford their basic necessities, and though food banks are working hard to support those in need, they aren’t a long-term solution to hunger.
Keep reading to learn what’s driving hunger in your community, what the solutions are, and the role you can play in creating change.
Hunger happens in every community
Did you know that more people than ever need to turn to a food bank in your community?
As incomes continue to fall further behind the cost of living, more adults, seniors, and even children rely on food banks just to make it through the month. Food bank visits are increasing in every region of the province, but record high food bank use is only part of the story.
Hunger is not an isolated issue, it exists in every corner of Ontario, affecting families, neighbourhoods, and communities of every size. The reasons for this are shaped by public policies that affect housing, employment, and social supports.
Record high food bank use tells us about the challenges our communities are facing, but understanding why the need is growing is how we create change.
See what hunger looks like where you live and explore the solutions with Hunger in My Community.
What's driving hunger in Ontario communities
Food banks were only ever intended to offer support during times of temporary emergency – like an unexpected job loss, injury, or falling into a rough patch – they were never created to be a long-term solution to hunger.
Federal, provincial, and municipal policies that affect housing, employment, and social supports can impact the reasons people and families need to turn to food banks – and when these policies don’t align, the gaps get passed down the chain. Ultimately, it's local food banks and those who rely on them that pay the price.
We can only reduce the need for food banks by addressing the root causes of poverty in our communities.
Explore the issues driving hunger and find out more about how strong, coordinated public policies can lead to lasting solutions.
Why all levels of government need to work together
Every community is different, but as the provincial network of over 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief organizations, we see common factors driving hunger across Ontario.
More people are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and housing, and decisions at all levels of government can make a meaningful difference for people and families facing hunger.
When policies at different levels of government don’t align, municipalities see the impacts of these decisions firsthand, and food banks are on the ground doing essential, urgent work to meet the need in their community.
Find out more about how different public policies interact and how they impact food banks using our Understanding Governmental Responsibilities chart, and try Hunger in My Community to see the outcome.
This fall, make hunger part of election conversations
As municipal elections across Ontario approach, it’s important to have informed conversations and take meaningful action that works towards lasting change.
The elections are an opportunity to ask questions and encourage local leaders to champion the changes needed to reduce hunger across Ontario.
Here are some questions you can ask candidates in your area about local priorities, and how they plan to address hunger in your community:
- Oftentimes, the decisions made by provincial and federal governments impact local communities. When those policies put added pressure on municipal services and community organizations, like food banks, how do you see our municipality working with other levels of government to find solutions?
- Food banks are hearing from more and more people who are struggling to afford their basic necessities, like housing, food, and transportation. What role do you think our municipality can play in helping to make life more affordable for people living on a low income?
Communities can't solve hunger alone, but you can help.
Hunger impacts your community. Whether you are involved with a local food bank, community organization, or just interested in making ending hunger a priority, we all have the opportunity to create change. Together, our voices have a strong impact: lasting change will take big solutions, but working together we can make a difference. Here's how you can get involved.
Learn
Find out about hunger in their area by using our new Hunger in My Community tool.
Advocate
Sign our petition to help us work toward lasting change on a provincial level.
Donate
Help keep food bank shelves stocked. Every $1 donated provides 2 meals for someone facing hunger.