Poverty and food insecurity are not always visible

It’s no secret that we are facing a food crisis. Alarm bells are ringing from every corner of Niagara, and our frontline agencies are struggling to keep up with the drastic increase in demand for food services. With the rising cost of living, spending more to buy less food is a reality for an increasing share of Canadian families. In many cases, people are forced to make decisions they never thought they would have to make.

And perhaps most shocking, 8 in 10 of those families earn incomes above the poverty line.

In a report released by Statistics Canada earlier this month, household food insecurity has reached a staggering 18.7% in Ontario. And perhaps most shocking, 8 in 10 of those families earn incomes above the poverty line. “Income alone cannot explain food insecurity. Rather, food insecurity stems from the interplay of various factors, including the stability of income, assets and debt, access to family and social supports, and the cost of living,” the report explains.

36,635 households in Niagara are experiencing food insecurity to some degree, and the sweeping majority are employed like Chris.

Based on these numbers, of the 195,914 households in Niagara, 36,635 are experiencing food insecurity to some degree (representing approximately 87,000 people), and the sweeping majority are employed like Chris.

“I was always the guy who brought donations to the office food drives, now I find myself making excuses when they come by my desk. I work full time but the cost of everything has gone up so much that my income alone isn’t cutting it anymore.

I was at the point where I had to decide which bills to skip to afford groceries.

I put off asking for help for a long time, but I had to last month. I was at the point where I had to decide which bills to skip to afford groceries. I made a call and  was connected with a number of programs that could help. I just got a box of fresh produce and I can get staple items from the pantry in my neighbourhood. I also met some others who are in the same boat as me so I feel less alone. My son and I now rely on these programs, without them I don’t know where we would be.”

~ Chris

The challenges people are facing in our community are complex and often connected. In order for whole communities to thrive, the needs of every individual living there must be met. Your support of United Way strengthens the social safety net as a whole, providing access to nutritious food, safe housing, stable income and crucial social connections. Your support helps strengthen a network of programs that 1 in 4 people will rely on in their lifetime.

If you are in the position to do so, please consider a donation this year. Your community urgently needs you.