B.C. advocates call for increased food security amidst growing problem

B.C. food security advocates say many families in the province are going hungry as the cost of groceries continues to climb and the need at food banks becomes greater.

Michelle Reining with Vancouver Food Runners (VFR) says for those who already faced food insecurity, keeping food on the table is now harder than ever.

“For families, individuals, it’s a struggle … Many people who were in minor food insecurity are now slipping into more severe food insecurity,” Reining said.

VFR is one of many organizations in need of support. It is short 300 volunteers to help pick up and deliver groceries that would otherwise be thrown away at Lower Mainland big box stores.

Reining says anyone interested can simply download the app, see what food needs to be picked up in their area, and drop off at a nearby food bank.

“Our non-profit partners as well are struggling to provide foods and meet the needs. With food costs going up they are having to purchase less so we are really hoping to address that gap that’s happening at the moment.”

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At the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Wednesday, the federal government announced it will spend $2 million to help B.C. organizations provide food to those in need. The money will go towards 38 community-based projects and non-profit groups across the province.

Agricultural Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says the government needs to ensure nobody in the country is hungry.

“The fact is nobody in Canada should struggle to feed their families. The fund plays a big part in helping organizations respond to the food need during the pandemic. The past few years have been difficult but for some it has been harder than we can ever imagine. Nearly 40 per cent of clients are families with children. We can only imagine the worry of a parent when they don’t have enough food for dinner,” Bibeau said.

B.C. Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ravi Kahlon is currently on a 10-day trade mission in Europe, focusing on food insecurity and land-use strategy.

“Food insecurity is a major issue in Europe and I know it’s a major issue back home. We have to find ways to produce more food with less energy, water, and better for the environment and this is what we are trying to do with this strategy,” Kahlon said.

Reining says food insecurity is often an invisible issue, affecting neighbours, family, and friends.

“It might even look like parents skipping meals so their kids can eat. It’s a struggle. We are trying to address the immediate needs but we also need to think about the long-term policy plans as well,” Reining added.