The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security ("the Centre") gathered more than 160 people yesterday from government, the private sector and civil society at its annual Symposium to learn from program experts, policymakers, community leaders and researchers about what's needed to address Canada's food insecurity crisis.
In Canada, almost 9 million people experienced food insecurity in 2023, including one in four children. Food bank usage has surged to unprecedented levels, with one in 10 Torontonians now relying on food banks. According to a recent Feed Ontario report, more than one million people visited a food bank in the province last year.
"Food insecurity has an enormous impact on health, life span, self-worth, academic success, and employment," said Michael McCain, Honourary Chair, Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security. "And as we neglect people when they are at their most vulnerable, we erode the integrity and strength of our society. We need more expansive, impactful solutions. Food insecurity will not be solved by food donations no matter how good those donations make us feel. We need to press for more equitable and healthier societies with a safety net no one falls below."
The Symposium highlighted provincial actions underway in Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador, with Premier Andrew Furey focusing on the intersection of health and food access, noting that investments in food security improve health and strengthen the economy.
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