Feed it Forward - How are WE dealing with food insecurities?

The amazing #FEEDITFORWARD team!

Last week I was approached by our dear friends at Gastropost Toronto to write and share what food insecurity means to me.  

I figure we should begin with the true meaning of Food Insecurity - according to Stats Canada:

 

• Food insecurity rates have remained relatively stable over time. Every year from 2007 to 2012, approximately 5% of Canadian children and 8% of Canadian adults lived in food insecure households. This means that they did not have access to a sufficient variety or quantity of food due to lack of money.

• The most recent statistics indicate that in 2011–2012, 8.3% of Canadian households experienced food insecurity.

• Nunavut had the highest rate of food insecurity (36.7%), over four times the Canadian average (8.3%) in 2011–2012. ce94c57ca63fb7a3967e28c7dab12b25bd0ff946cf0f417e69

• In 2011–2012, the rate of food insecurity was more than three times higher in households where government benefits were the main source of income (21.4%) compared with households with an alternate main source of income (6.1%).

1 in 6 Canadian children are affected by hunger.. Astonishing fact.  We must work harder to eliminate this stat.

As we can see, this is cause for concern.  How do we as a city, province and nation address this?  How are we relieving or refocusing on lowering these issues.  Good news is that there is a movement happening - Thanks to Maple Leaf Foods and Gastropost Toronto people are stepping up to get involved through community gardens, education, lunch programs, volunteering OR even nominating someone in their (your) community that is going above and beyond to assist in food insecurities.

All smiles - the mini humans are so inspiring and great to be around!

How is RBN helping - Well food and wellness has always been in our top considerations BUT as of last year I've been working with Real Food for Real Kids (RFRK) - which is a non for profit dedicated to bringing kids (some less fortunate) whole foods that are ethically sourced,  quality made, grown by local farmers, using only environmentally responsible vehicles and supply litter-less reusable lunch containers.   Oh and you get to spend afternoons learning and educating young minds about food and such.  Its such a joy and has become the favourite part of my week. 

What are some other great ways YOU can get involved?

1. Community gardens: Pitch in some volunteer hours to help seed, plants and teach the younger generations about how and why local food growth and sustainability is a prime issue.
2. Form a group in your neighbourhood or school, maybe you take turns doing a new activity bi-weekly to bring awareness and support.
3. Nominate someone YOU know that is already taking part in this great initiative - click HERE for details to #feeditforward pledge!
4. Look to schools and daycares to teach and get them involved, in my experience as a nutritionist - the more kids know, the more apt they are to learn, eat and explore food and our food culture!
5. Let RBN know your idea too - we're always looking for new ways to motivate and give back!

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 “​This blog post was promoted by Gastropost + Maple Leaf Foods but the opinions are completely my own based on my experience.”

Please share this with anyone you think should be involved!

xoxo
rbn