Canadians are scheduled to go to the polls in a federal election April 28. Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking a clear mandate to govern. And Canada’s Food Banks are using the upcoming vote to seek firm food security commitments from the politicians…
Leaders of Canada’s three major political parties: (Left to right: Mark Carney, Pierre
Poilievre, Jagmeet Singh) Now, more than ever, seeking YOUR support!
Who better than the food banks to update us on the food insecurity crisis – especially when the politicians are looking for the support of a growing cadre of hungry Canadians at the polls!
‘State of the Kitchen’
“This month alone, over two million people will visit food banks, which are buckling under the strain of increased demand,” an open letter from the Food Banks to Canadian voters begins.
“In challenging times, our nation’s extraordinary food bankers roll up their sleeves to help as many people as possible. But their capacity isn’t infinite, and in the past year, nearly 30 percent of food banks ran out of food before the demand was met. Another 56 percent gave less food than usual to each visitor, to avoid running out,” the letter continues.
The message boils down to 8 simple words: Canada’s food security picture has never been darker.
Call to action
After years of tip-toeing around the political scene, the Food Banks are displaying a united front in a very high-profile manner. They’re calling on Canadian voters to press their lawmakers for a clear commitment to reduce food insecurity in Canada by 50 percent by 2030.
“We also call on the parties to include steps in their platforms to demonstrate how they will achieve this,” the letter insists.
And the Food Banks are clear about they’re talking about, identifying three main challenges Canada as a united whole must meet to navigate the future successfully: a skyrocketing cost of living, in-comes that haven’t kept pace, and a broken social safety net. All of which bear directly on food security.
Calling all Canadians!
The Food Banks want you to visit their election action website and literally sign up to help their pressure campaign on politicians.
The site encapsulates a wealth of alarming info about the food security crisis in impactful info-graphics that will leave you stunned…
And it minces no words about its bottom line, insisting the situation cannot be overstated: “People are skipping meals, taking on unsustainable debt, and stepping further away from a life of dignity.”
My take
I agree with the Food Banks when they say the time is ripe to demand action from out politicians to mount a substantial, effective fight against domestic starvation. Rarely in my lifetime have I seen an election time when the politicians have been hungrier for our votes.
My question is: Even if we do get unequivocal commitments from the politicians to address food insecurity, will it turn out to be just another case of the elected few promising the sky and then leaving their election pledges, like inconvenient wet umbrellas, at the door – to the House of Commons?
~ Maggie J.