Hunger Awareness Week runs until September 23. The annual event is put on by Food Banks Canada and is meant to raise awareness of the solvable problem of hunger in Canada. Food banks across the country hold events to tell the story of the work they do, and the stories of hungry Canadians assisted by food banks. Here in BC, one in 10 kids goes to school hungry: they aren’t receiving the nutritious food they need to develop and thrive. Many of them live right here in the Lower Mainland. When children have adequate nutritious food they can learn better, play more, and have active and healthy lives. When kids get the food they need, there is no limit to what they can do. With one of Canada’s highest cost of living, many Lower Mainland families, even in those with two working parents, can’t afford to buy healthy food. When budgets are tight, families often turn to cheap food full of unhealthy sugar, salt and fat to fight the hunger. Fresh produce and protein disappear from the menu. For the most vulnerable families – new immigrants, refugees and single mothers – it’s even tougher. Language and cultural barriers, lack of awareness of local food sources and access to community resources compound hunger. United Way British Columbia helps Stop the Growl by funding 21 food initiatives in the Lower Mainland. United Way gives people the skills and knowledge they need to access and prepare nutritious food for their families through community kitchens, community gardens and food education. Last year, 1.5 million meals or snacks were served to kids, families and seniors through United Way community service providers. Healthy families and kids pay it forward helping to make our communities stronger. Your dollars count for so much! For just $39, one child can be fed nutritious meals for one week. You can help. Give today.
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