Food Security

 Food Insecurity: A Growing Crisis

In 2024, food insecurity is not just a problem for the developing world; it is a harsh reality for many Canadians as well. While food prices have been climbing steadily since 2013, the situation has now escalated to a level that is untenable. The stark truth is that large corporations like Loblaws are raking in billions, while millions of people struggle to feed themselves and their families. The deepening divide between the wealthy and the vulnerable is driving more people into hunger and malnutrition, with families choosing between paying rent or buying nutritious food.

Sadly, scurvy—a condition rarely seen in modern times—is making a comeback in Canada, an alarming indication of the severe lack of access to fresh, healthy food. The sad reality is that we are so disconnected from the source of our food that many of us no longer know how to grow, harvest, or even forage for food. The rich, nutrient-dense foods that our grandparents relied upon are now out of reach for many, and our connection to traditional diets—such as the Coast Salish diet—is increasingly lost. Meanwhile, food is shipped from all over the world, often leaving us unaware of the impact this has on our local environment, economies, and overall sustainability.

We are living in a world where food waste is rampant. Stores discard perfectly edible produce simply because it is deemed "ugly," and farmers are forced to dump milk due to restrictive quotas, while people in our communities go hungry. Children arrive at school without breakfast, and single parents often sacrifice their own meals so that their children can eat. Young people are increasingly relying on highly processed foods that are cheap and convenient, yet the consequences on their physical and mental health are becoming alarmingly visible.

Food has become a commodity that is inaccessible for many, with corporations profiting from every link in the chain, from the field to the grocery store shelf. The prevalence of pesticides on our food is another issue that can no longer be ignored. Big agricultural companies—such as Dow, Monsanto, and Bayer—continue to put profits above people’s health, and we are suffering the consequences. Our farmers, our environment, and our children are all paying the price. It’s a crime what has happened to our food system.

But all is not lost. We can take action. The solutions to this crisis lie within our own communities. From growing our own food in urban gardens, supporting local farmers, to advocating for food sovereignty, we have the power to change our food system. I learned this firsthand when I took my child to volunteer on an organic farm in Duncan, Vancouver Island. The experience taught us about sustainable agriculture and how essential it is to support local food systems. We also spent time in Oaxaca, Mexico, where I’ve often visited and lived during the winters. The local diet there, rich in fresh produce such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, eggs, beans, and tortillas, is far healthier than the processed food readily available in Canada.

Unfortunately, many people today are finding it increasingly difficult to access healthy food. Over 2 million people in Canada are now forced to rely on food banks, a service that was originally intended as a temporary measure. Many of these people have jobs, homes, and families—but they still struggle to put food on the table. The reality of using food banks is often humiliating, with limited choices and frequently outdated, unhealthy food. This is an urgent issue that we cannot ignore.

I remember hearing that in the event of a crisis, food supplies in Vancouver Island could run out in just three days. It’s a sobering reminder that our current food system is fragile and unsustainable. We must be aware of how vulnerable we are and take proactive steps to build resilient food systems in our communities.

The issue of food insecurity is multifaceted, but it is something we can fight. We must challenge the dominant food systems, build local resilience, and empower our communities to grow, harvest, and share food in ways that promote health, sustainability, and justice. We need to re-learn the vital skills our grandparents had, ensuring that future generations will not only survive but thrive.

This blog will be a space to discuss these issues and work together toward solutions that address food insecurity—locally, nationally, and globally. It's a fight for dignity, for health, and for our children's future. Let’s unite in the struggle for a more just and sustainable food system.