Food inequity is one of the issues we would like to focus on. According to PROOF (1) in 2017-2018 1 in 8 Canadian households have been considered to be “food insecure”, which concludes the number of 4.4 million people. During COVID those numbers climbed. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations indicated that prevalence of undernourishment rose from 8.4 in 2019 to 9.9% during COVID pandemic.
Considering local farms could be a significant part in fighting food insecurity by employing food rescue programs, Bridge Engagement Centre has its garden in Just Food Community Farm in Ottawa. Today we harvested many eggplants, peppers, kale, cucumbers. Taking care of our garden not only will allow us to help participants of our studies who are marginalized, experiencing homelessness but together but also it plays a big role in bringing people together.
- Tarasuk V, Mitchell A. (2020) Household food insecurity in Canada, 2017-18. Toronto: Research to identify policy options to reduce food insecurity (PROOF). [Free full report]