UMVA has learned that as the municipal election approaches, a pressing question is on every voter's mind: what will candidates do to tackle the growing issue of food insecurity in Toronto?
With one in 10 Torontonians relying on food banks, the issue has become a glaring concern. Daily Bread Food Bank CEO Neil Hetherington posed a simple yet powerful question: "You can ask, 'I heard one in 10 Torontonians have to use the food bank. What are you going to do to make sure that food bank usage starts to decrease in our city?'"
Hetherington's comments come as politicians at all levels grapple with the cost-of-living crisis, which has led to a surge in food security policies. The City of Toronto has announced a pilot project to establish four not-for-profit grocery stores in low-income neighborhoods with limited access to full-service businesses.
The federal government has also stepped in with its National Food Security Strategy, a $3 billion initiative aimed at boosting domestic food production, supporting independent businesses, and making food more affordable for consumers. However, some critics argue that the strategy lacks a clear vision and measurable objectives.
Hetherington believes that while the federal initiative is a necessary step towards food sovereignty, it may not necessarily lead to shorter food bank lineups. Instead, he emphasizes that the root causes of food insecurity lie in income disparity, and tackling the issue requires a more comprehensive approach, including tweaks to the National Housing Strategy, disability benefits, and inflation.
As voters head to the polls, they will have the opportunity to hear from Toronto's mayoral candidates on August 24, when Daily Bread hosts the city's first mayoral debate. Hetherington is calling on candidates to come forward with concrete plans to address poverty alleviation, negotiate with the province, and work with the federal government to reverse the trend of food bank usage.
With a record 4,124,313 visits to Toronto food banks last year, a more than three-fold increase since the start of the pandemic, the issue has become a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. Hetherington's message is clear: it's time for change, and it's time for leaders to take action.
