The parallel between poverty and food insecurity is apparent to most, but we rarely think about the demographics that are most at risk of facing food insecurity in Canada. In November 2023, Statistics Canada released its insights into “Food insecurity among Canadian families” which used data from the 2021 Canadian Income Survey. The survey indicated that Alberta has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country at 22%, with Black and Indigenous populations representing the largest percentage of those at risk.
The risk of being food insecure was much higher among certain groups living below the poverty line. For instance, 62% of families living in subsidized housing were food insecure, over three times higher than the overall average (18%). Other vulnerable groups below the poverty line included female lone parent families (48%), families where the major income earner was unemployed all year (60%), Indigenous families living in the provinces and off reserve (48%), and Black Canadians (56%). Similar groups were at greater risk who were living above the poverty line – Insights on Canadian Society, Statistics Canada
Enough for All which is stewarded by Vibrant Communities Calgary aims to address poverty as an underlying exacerbator of food insecurity and other negative socio-economic outcomes. They expand upon this issue by highlighting the difference between upstream and downstream food security. Downstream refers to “the availability and affordability of nutritionally viable food for consumption” like food retailers and charities, while upstream refers to the health of the food sources, i.e. the dependability and sustainability of agricultural and distribution ends of the system – both are connected and essential to ensure food security.
The high cost of living continues to be unsustainable for many Canadians affecting affordability of essential items like rent, gas and food. The federal government’s budget 2024 announcement included plans to help lower everyday costs related to groceries. From the National School Food Program to protecting farmers from unfair market conditions, the budget outlines several commitments to improving food security for all Canadians, extending efforts established during the pandemic.
Access to Food – City of Calgary Food Action Plan and Resources
Regardless, grassroots organizations still bear the brunt of meeting the needs of Calgary’s vulnerable populations. The 15 organizations that have participated in CACC’s Food Security Cohort since June 2023 identified the need for accessible and affordable cultural food items in addition to local Canadian food. For many African families, food is a source of comfort and a connection to the community. The organizations working in this space, while providing food hampers, cease the opportunity to check in on the elderly, newcomers, youth, and single mothers. Unfortunately, the need outweighs the available resources and organizations are calling for greater funding support from the provincial and municipal governments.
In the news
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland presented the Federal Budget 2024 this past week. Find out the direction of Canada’s finances in this CBC live coverage. Read the full federal budget for 2024 here.
Funding Focus
The Government of Canada supports local communities with the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – Local Festivals funding, provided to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists; local artisans; local heritage performers or specialists; and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers including the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. They have three application deadlines each year so check out the website and submit your application for the next selection before the April 30th deadline.
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Ujima News is an inhouse newsletter designed with our members in mind. Our aim is to make knowledge translation and knowledge sharing a core activity of the collective through free media communication.
