According to recent data by Food Banks Canada, nearly one-quarter of Canadians reported eating less because they couldn’t afford food, and 61 percent of Canadians say rising housing costs are the number one barrier preventing them from affording groceries.
Food security is a primary concern in the community right now, and with the heightened cost of practically everything, virtually no one is immune to these challenges.
Local employment office Agilec is hoping to turn the tables on hunger and help put food on the table for friends in neighbours in Orillia
This month, they’re holding their annual “Turn the Tables on Hunger” summer food drive.
From June 6 to 30, non-perishable food donations can be dropped off their office weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm at 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 100, Orillia.
Theresa Bott is an employment coach and community outreach coordinator for Agilec’s local branch. She hears from job seekers first-hand about how crucial food security is to them before gaining employment.
“With inflation and how much groceries are going up, people are really in need of that food security. I think everyone has felt the effects of it,” Bott said. “Our most vulnerable are really feeling the effects of it and having to make decisions on whether to pay rent or buy food. That shouldn’t be a decision that anyone has to make.”
The most-needed items this time of year are:
- cereal,
- coffee,
- tea,
- canned vegetables,
- canned meat,
- and canned fish
Alternatively, monetary donations are also being accepted to help the food banks purchase fresh produce.
Turn the Tables on Hunger community partners include Kawartha Dairy, Olivia’s Trattoria and TNT Fine Lingerie Boutique. Donations will also be accepted at these local businesses throughout June. The two major benefactors for this campaign are Rama Community Food Bank and The Sharing Place.
In the past, Agilec took part in community initiatives like a charity car wash to support The Sharing Place, as well as a food donation competition with the Ontario Disability Support Program to support Rama Food Bank.
This June, Agilec focuses their efforts on battling hunger and being an advocate for the most vulnerable people in Orillia and the surrounding area. With Ontario’s minimum wage set at $15.50 an hour and Simcoe County’s living wage at $19.05 an hour, there’s a massive gap between “not getting by” and “just barely scraping by”.
Bott echoes what was found in the recent study by Food Banks Canada, that some of her job seekers have to choose between necessities like rent, groceries and gas. Hopefully by raising food and funds through Helping Turn the Tables on Hunger, folks won’t have to make that tough choice.
Communities are quite generous in the weeks leading up to the holidays, but the summer months are also crucial times of need for friends and neighbours who are most vulnerable to skyrocketing food prices.
“The rising costs are affecting everyone across the board, but especially our most vulnerable. And it’s needed now,” Bott said. “It’s not waiting until Christmas. It’s making those donations now. And if you can, to consider donating regularly.”
Food insecurity impacts the community every day. You can help feed Orillia by supporting Agilec’s “Turn the Tables on Hunger” food drive. Learn more online.