Local food banks have received a portion of the $100 million emergency fund for food security the federal government announced last spring.
On Friday Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield announced a $321,079.33 fund to improve food security for Guelph residents facing social, economic and health impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funds were distributed between The Guelph Food Bank, Lakeside HOPE House, The SEED, The Salvation Army Community & Family Services,Ontario Student Nutrition Services, Crown Dairy, Wyndham House, The Children's Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, Food & Friends Program, Grange Hill East Neighbourhood Group and Church of the Apostle (St. James and St. Matthias).
The funds will be used to purchase equipment, implement safety measures, purchase food and distribute in the community.
“I’m amazed by all of you and all you’re doing to continue to accomplish the wonderful collaborations we’ve developed in our community,” said Longfield on the virtual announcement to the local organizations battling food insecurity.
“As the COVID-19 has presented many challenges, personally and as the organizations try to get through this pandemic, food banks and organizations are on the front lines making sure that people get central food support in their time of need.”
Food banks and other local food organizations across Canada are facing an increased demand for their services and added pressure from shortages in donations and volunteers.
According to Statistics Canada, one in seven Canadians indicated that they live in a household where there was food insecurity over a one month period during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Out of the $100 million fund, $50 million was distributed to Food Banks Canada, $45 million was divided evenly between Community Food Centres Canada, Second Harvest, Salvation Army, and Breakfast Club of Canada. Up to $5 million was distributed to local-level organizations who serve people experiencing food insecurity.
“I remember one of the quotes during our study on the agriculture committee that the director of Food Banks Canada said that food is affordable in canada but not everyone can afford food,” said Longfield.
“I remember her quote resonating with me saying everybody in the food supply chain needs to be able to be sustainable financially but the people who consume food have to be able to afford that food,” said Longfield adding that food security also related to jobs, equity, income and affordable housing and everything one needs to live a life of dignity.”
