By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Despite Haldimand-Norfolk being a prosperous food-producing region of Ontario, we are not immune from the financial pressures being felt across Ontario and Canada. These are tough economic times for many folks right in our own backyard.
The past four years since the pandemic seem like a blur, but the economic fallout remains in full focus. Increased government spending led to higher inflation, and many families are struggling to make ends meet—sadly, that includes putting food on the table.
Last week, Feed Ontario, a network of food banks, released an unnerving statistic: Over
1 million Ontarians used food banks last year. That’s a scary number. If those 1 million people formed a municipality, it would be the third largest city in Ontario.
Any way the number is crunched, food banks play a critical role in Ontario. With colder weather around the corner, heating and power bills will start amping up, leading many to the door of our local food banks.
The role of our local food banks must be maintained. I accessed hnhbhealthline.ca, which lists the food provision services available to those in need. It states on its website, “Free or low-cost food to individuals and families in need on an ongoing, seasonal, and emergency basis. Services may include food banks, community gardens, Good Food Boxes, youth nutrition programs, and nutrition education programs.”
I counted at least 13 food banks or related services listed on the website with contact information. If you find yourself in need or want to volunteer or donate, please check them out online.
I recently had the opportunity to tour the Caledonia and District Food Bank again. They operate like Swiss watches—efficient, smart, and with a big heart. They offer much more than food items; they educate and provide hope. The dedication and empathy of the volunteers blew me away. Volunteers told me that they have definitely seen an uptick in the number of people accessing the services and food bank, and entire shelves are no longer so full.
On the other hand, I’ve spoken to those who find themselves in tough spots and have had to rely on food banks to feed their families. The backstories are varied and sometimes heart-wrenching. Along the way, I get suggestions as to what the government can do to mitigate the situation.
I’m always open to ideas about how the government can help. At Queen’s Park, I have asked the government to find ways to make life more affordable for Ontarians, like following Scott Moe’s lead on the carbon tax. I hope they will get creative or take cues from leaders in jurisdictions with good ideas.
I wanted to close with a shout-out to food bank donors. Donors are obviously critical to the function and purpose of local food banks. There are many of you out there, and I salute you all.
Today, I’ll give a special mention to the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO). Along with other local politicians, I recently had the pleasure of participating in CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks, where the CFO donated over 600 kg of chicken, or 5,400 meals, to the Hagersville and Caledonia food banks. And considering that the CFO Cares program has donated over nine million chicken meals since 2015, these folks are owed a great deal of appreciation.
I’m very impressed by the CFO’s generosity but not surprised.
It’s good to know that in difficult times, food resources are available to those in need, and wonderful organizations, volunteers, workers, and donors are making it happen. My gratitude and prayers go to all of you.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk