This October, our team has focused on food insecurity within our community and beyond. The start of the holiday season is often accompanied by initiatives to help those experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity refers to the inability to acquire or consume an adequate quality or quantity of food for one’s diet in socially acceptable means; it can also refer to the uncertainty that one will be able to do so. This year, Food Banks Canada is expecting increased numbers of Canadians who will be faced with food insecurity. This is the result of a tumultuous 18 months, a combination of jobs lost over the pandemic, high housing costs, rising food prices, as well as pullbacks in government support that had been increased over the course of the pandemic. This issue is prevalent in Ontario, as it has seen the second largest increase in Food Bank clients since 2019, behind only Quebec. Further, this issue disproportionately affects children, as ⅓ of Food Bank clients are children, despite children only making up 19% of the general population.
Despite the inequities in food insecurity, there are ways in which communities have taken it upon themselves to address this issue. Community fridges exist across the globe and have become more prominent in Canada over the course of the pandemic. Community fridges aren’t necessarily just fridges, but often communities will supply pantries and freezers as well, all operating under the same principle “take what you need; leave what you can”. Community fridges offer food and supplies to anyone who may need it and are stocked by anyone able to make donations. One of the best parts of community fridges is that because they are on a smaller scale, community members can make their donations more specific and catered to their neighbour's needs; in some cases, this is through donating specific cultural foods, or specific supplies like diapers. The University of Guelph even has a community fridge for our campus community, which is located within the University Centre. Our team has been looking for ways to help those experiencing food insecurity and would encourage anyone who is able to continue to support their local Food Banks, as well as community fridges in your area- or, if you see the need, start your own community fridge!
Written by: Sydney Griffiths