Hunger Action Month is Here
Hunger Action Month Highlights Growing Need in Perth and Area
The Table’s Good Food Bank joins Feed Ontario and food banks across Ontarioin asking concerned citizens to make eliminating hunger a priority
Perth, ON – More people than ever before are turning to food banks for help. And The Table Community Food Centre – which over July and August witnessed a 10% increase in the number of visits to its Good Food Bank – is marking Hunger Action Month, this September, by asking citizens to learn more about what’s driving hunger in their community, and to support lasting solutions such as federal and provincial action on income and wealth inequality.
As the cost of living continues to rise steeply, and is anticipated to continue to do so, it is making it harder and harder for more and more people to afford food, housing, and other basic necessities. As a result, more children, working-age adults, and seniors are turning to food banks for support.
“Hunger exists in every community in Ontario, but it doesn’t have to be this way,” says Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario. “Record-high food bank use isn’t about food, it’s a sign that more people can no longer afford the necessities. Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to better understand why so many people are struggling to make ends meet and to have important conversations about how we can work together to build stronger, healthier communities.”
“We are meeting people who never imagined they would need a food bank,” said Coral McMahan, The Table’s Good Food Bank Co-Lead – Volunteer and Participant Services. “In Perth, we’re seeing more families, seniors, and working people reaching out for help simply because they can’t keep up with the cost of living. We know this is a problem that will only be solved by coordinated, resolute action by federal, provincial, and municipal political leaders, working to address the underlying reasons why so many people are or on the cusp of being hungry.”
The Table is participating in Hunger Action Month throughout September by joining in Feed Ontario’s postcard campaign, aimed at municipal politicians and candidates for office. With Ontario’s Municipal Election Day upcoming on October 26, Hunger Action Month is an opportunity for citizens to ask incumbent and new candidates for municipal office for their ideas on and commitment for action to combat food insecurity and related problems.
Citizens can also get involved by using Feed Ontario’s “Hunger in My Community” tool (https://feedontario.ca/hunger-in-my-community), and by supporting their local food bank through donations or volunteering.
- 30 -
About Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action Month is an annual province-wide campaign led by Feed Ontario and food banks across Ontario to raise awareness about food insecurity. Throughout September, communities across the province come together to learn more about hunger, support local food banks, and advocate for long-term solutions that reduce poverty and food insecurity.
About The Table Community Food Centre
Formerly the Perth & District Food Bank, The Table Community Centre was founded in 2012 as one of the first two community food centres in Canada (there are presently 18). Its mission is to cultivate a healthy, connected community by expanding food access, building resilience, and advocating for the right to food. The Table serves a geographic area centred on Perth, Smiths Falls, and adjoining rural communities. The Table pursues its mission through programs including the Good Food Bank, Community Meals, Falls Food Hub (in Smiths Falls), Community Garden, Children & Youth, Fresh Food Box, and Advocacy. The Table is a partner of Right to Food, a national organization championing food as a human right and supporting a broad network of community food centres and other “good food organizations.”
For more information:
Rob Rainer, Executive DirectorThe Table Community Food Centre613-267-6428 ext. 108
Comments