Kawartha Lakes Food Source Responds to Feed Ontario’s Hunger Report 2022
Release: December 6, 2022
On November 28, 2022, Feed Ontario released their annual Hunger Report, which analyses food bank use between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Expectedly, and as show in years prior, their report indicates an unchanging and persistent rise in food bank visits and unique food bank visitors in 2022. Struggling Ontarians continue to rely on food banks more frequently in attempt to mitigate unmanageable costs of living and gaps in public policies.
The 2022 Hunger Report shares that unwavering costs of food and other living expenses are causing food banks to experience a decrease in food donations, all while facing a 42% increase in visits and 64% increase in first-time users over the last three years. Ultimately, food banks are struggling to keep up with the volume of food bank users and the amount of food needed to feed their clients.
Unfortunately, individuals and food banks within the City of Kawartha Lakes are experiencing the same lack of sustainability within the system. As seen in the chart below, the amount of food Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS) is receiving at their distribution centre is steadily decreasing, while the number of individuals seeking the help of our member food banks is generally on the rise. 2022 is no different at KLFS: we have acquired a total of 111 616 units of food since January 1, 2022, and, with only three weeks left in the year, we are on track to receive the lowest quantity of food at our distribution centre since 2014.
As a proud member of Feed Ontario, Kawartha Lakes Food Source stands with their recommendations, as listed below, to make true and lasting change to reduce hunger in our community.
1. Provide gig workers (ex. Uber or Instacart drivers) with the same employment protections as other sectors
Recommendation: With nearly 1 in 10 workers in Ontario in the ‘gig economy,’ classify gig workers as employees to ensure that they receive the same protections provided under the Employment Standards Act, Employment Insurance, and the Canada Pension Plan.
2. Close the gap on poverty by increasing social assistance rates to a basic standard of living
Recommendation: Double the support provided through Ontario’s social assistance programs, to ensure people who are trying to get back on their feet or who are living with a disability can afford basic necessities that support their health, well-being, and ability to participate in their communities.
3. Make affordable housing accessible so people don’t have to choose between paying the rent or buying food
Recommendation: Invest in the costed plan of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association that makes recommendations for new and renovated affordable housing options over the next 10 years.
4. Put people with lived experience at the centre of policy and program design
Recommendation: Include consultation and the perspective of people with lived experience in the design and development of all programs, policies and policy changes, and support initiatives.
What can you do to fight hunger?
Support those that are hungry locally, in our community, by donating food or money to Kawartha Lakes Food Source. We urge you to read Feed Ontario’s full 2022 Hunger Report, accessible on their website, to become more informed about issues facing food banks and the individuals that rely on their services. After familiarizing yourself with the report, reach out to your local elected officials to voice your concerns and recommendations.
Click here to access the full 2022 Hunger Report. For questions about the report, contact Amanda King at amanda@feedontario.ca. For more information about Kawartha Lakes Food Source and to learn how you can donate, click here or call 705-324-0707.
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About Kawartha Lakes Food Source
Kawartha Lakes Food Source is a non-profit distribution organization that procures and distributes food to 35 agencies, advocates for food security and poverty related issues, and collaborates with the community to support those who do not have enough. We are located at 164 Needham St, Lindsay.
About Hunger Report 2022
This report provides an analysis of food bank use between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, as well as a comparative analysis of food bank use from January 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022, with that of previous years. The report also includes a feature that explores how public policy decisions and insufficient investments in our social safety net have resulted in deepening cracks in our economic foundation.
About Feed Ontario
Feed Ontario is a network of 1,200 direct and affiliate food banks and hunger-relief agencies across the province that are united in their work to prevent and address hunger and poverty. Through emergency food support, innovative programming, and a commitment to researching and recommending solutions to poverty, the provincial food bank network works to improve the health and well-being of the adults, children, and families it serves. https://feedontario.ca
Media Support Provided by Feed Ontario: Contact Andrea Water at andrea@feedontario.ca.