For one week, food banks and their supporters across this bountiful country are using their collective voice to amplify the message: yes, hunger lives here in Canada – in our cities, villages, counties, and in our neighbourhoods.
Hunger Awareness Week raises awareness of the solvable problem of hunger in Canada. Food banks across the country hold events to tell the story of the work they do, and the stories of hungry Canadians assisted by food banks.
There is hunger in Canada
Food banks have been helping more than 800,000 people each and every month for the better part of the past 15 years. In 2015, over 850,000 people were assisted each month by a food bank in Canada. Of those helped, 37% were children and 90,000 turned to a food bank for the first time. Locally, the Agape Centre helps more than 1,200 people a month through the food bank, and serves a nutritious and delicious meal to more than 100 people every weekday.
There is hunger in Canada because…
Too many Canadians do not have enough income to pay for rent, bills, clothing for growing children, transportation, medication – and food. Food is, unfortunately, one of the most flexible household expenses, and it is often nutrition that suffers when money is tight.
It’s Time to Draw the Line on Hunger
Hunger in Canada is a significant issue. Which is why it’s so critical to dedicate a week to talk about it and work together to make a change. Hunger Awareness Week, September 19-23, 2016 is a week for communities and individuals across Canada to take action in reducing hunger. You can draw the line on hunger and make a positive difference.
Who uses a food bank?
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. People who have jobs and still can’t make ends meet.
Learn more about Hunger Awareness Week.
To help our food bank, please consider donating President’s Choice gift cards so that we can purchase healthy and fresh foods.