Starting May 1, St. Barts Food Bank, the Salvation Army Harvest of Hope in Gibsons, the Sunshine Coast Food Bank (Sechelt) and the Pender Harbour Food Bank are launching our virtual, collaborative fundraising campaign: coastwidefoodbankdrive.ca.
Based on recent Canadian census data, nearly one in six B.C. households (16 per cent) report some experiences of food insecurity. With the growing cost of living crisis affecting so many members of our community, the need for food assistance has never been higher.
Food bank numbers have reached historic levels in our communities, in our province and nationwide. We know that donations of cans and cash don’t tackle the root cause of food insecurity and hunger—the root cause being insufficient incomes and the disproportionate impacts of poverty. And we know that it is hard when community groups continue to ask for support, year after year.
While so many organizations are supporting national campaigns for policy change and building alternative food access points and programs, the reality is that food banks really need your support. They are not the solution to hunger or food insecurity by any means, but they serve a vital role right now that we can’t ignore.
Recent research and personal experience of food bank workers show that a growing number of people accessing services are working, part time and even full time, yet the cost-of-living increases in housing, transportation, utilities, food and other essentials still leave gaps between employment income and daily needs. More working individuals and families are turning to food banks for that little extra support. It is our strong belief that no one should have to choose between buying food, putting gas in their car, buying a bus pass or paying their bills. Social security rates are inadequate to meet current costs of living. While we cannot solve the cost-of-living challenges, we want to remind our communities that the four food banks on the Sunshine Coast are talking, coordinating and doing what they can-- coming together and asking for your help with donations.
If you are able, please consider making a cash donation to the Sunshine Coast collective efforts during May. This is really about community care—food banks are an important bridge between neighbours who want to help and those in our community who are struggling. And cash really helps. Then, on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we are hosting a “depot day” at every grocery store and Sunshine Coast Credit Union location Coast wide. Please consider bringing donations to our on-site volunteers and help us meet the daily need.
Let’s remember that food insecurity is systemic and systems can change. We can and must envision and build a sustainable, supportive and socially just food system to meet the basic needs of everyone and ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.
To find out more about drive, please call Chris Hergesheimer, lead food programmer 604-865-0190 or email [email protected]
