Canada is a great country. It ranks 8th in the United Nations Human Development Index, has a median after-tax family income of $63,000 and has weathered the recession far better than most countries.
Yet despite this strong economic position globally, thousands of Canadians are struggling to get enough food every day. In fact in 2010, nearly 900,000 people were assisted by a food bank in an average month. This is the highest level of food bank use on record: a nine per cent increase over 2009 - and 28 per cent higher than in 2008.
Hunger is a complicated problem and one that many of us feel challenged to make an impact on. And Hunger Awareness Day, May 31, is an opportunity to get engaged with the issue.
On Hunger Awareness Day, Canadians are being encouraged to adopt any number of changes - big or small - that truly can have a positive effect on the issue of hunger in our country.
Food Banks Canada, the national organization representing the food banking in Canada, along with its provincial members and food banks across the country, including the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre, are joining forces to encourage Canadians to make a change - big or small - that will help change the status of the issue of hunger in our country.
Hunger is a challenging problem and it's encouraging to know there's a day dedicated to raising awareness of it here in Canada, and offering Canadians ideas on how take action in addressing it.
This year, the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre, will be holding an "awareness" barbeque as part of Food Banks Canada's, Great Canadian Lunch-In. On Tuesday May 31st, staff and volunteers from the Food Bank will be serving burgers and hot dogs at the parking lot of CJNB from 11 AM to 2 PM for a donation of $3.00 and $4.00 respectively to raise funds to support the programs of your local food bank.
