Community Events
For Immediate Release
May 21, 2008
Food Banks and Hot Meal Lines Hit the Wall
For the first time in Hamilton’s history, local emergency food providers gathered at Hamilton Food Share under the banner of EFAC (Emergency Food Action Committee) to send out a collective S.O.S. to their greatest supporter – the Hamilton community.
EFAC comprised of representatives from: The Good Shepherd Centres, Mission Services of Hamilton, Neighbour to Neighbour, St. Matthews House, Welcome Inn, Wesley Urban Ministries, The Salvation Army, Living Rock Ministries and Hamilton Food Share meet regularly to discuss issues involving service delivery and hunger. At an energy charged meeting last week EFAC members expressed grave concern as supplies were running out months before the summer had even begun. Food bank workers and staff are working around the clock garnering food and financial donations. ““Each summer, this problem has been escalating- this year it’s the earliest that it’s ever been. We’ve already had to purchase bulk buys,” stated Reverend Wendy Roy, Executive Director, St. Matthew’s House.
The shortage of food has already had a significant result on one food bank operating in the north end of the city. Welcome Inn has already felt the impact of trying to keep up.” Over the last few months we have seen a sharp increase in both the size of households and the number of people accessing our food bank. We have had to close our doors 4 days in the past 2 months because we did not have any food and often we need to limit the amount of food we give out in order to serve all of the people coming in,” stated Donna Jean Forster, Executive Director of Welcome Inn.
While Food Banks and hot meal lines are concerned about having enough food to give more than 15,000 people (6,318 are children) who go to a food bank each month in order to survive their worry doesn’t stop there. Having nutritious food to give that make up complete meals is also a concern leaving emergency food providers no alternative other than having to buy food. “We always strive to provide a balanced meal but because of the fluctuation in donations we have to buy some of the items to ensure a nutritious meal. Of course money spent on this means that we have to cut back on something else. Now with the cost of food starting to increase $20 dollars will only buy $18 dollars worth of food,” stated Carmen Salciccioli from the Good Shepherd Centres.
Emergency food agencies state that the disparity between poverty income levels and the reality of basic living expenses: such as, rent, heat, hydro, food, clothing , school expenses and transportation experienced by the people they serve is one they are hard pressed to fill. With out help emergency food providers fear that the capacity of the local food banking system to respond to the people they serve on a continual basis may be at risk. Most food banks allow one visit a month and give out 3 days worth of food. If an individual’s need is greater than three days worth of food their last option is to get in line at a hot meal program. “Having to turn away mothers needing formula, baby food and diapers is a difficult thing to do. Adults can go to a food line, but you certainly cannot take an infant to the food line,” stated a Food Bank Supervisor from The Good Shepherd Centres.
The first food bank opened in 1980 as temporary initiative addressing a temporary problem. For two and half decades the food banking system designed for this temporary measure is now feeling the strain to address hunger today as the face of hunger has changed, depth of hunger is more significant, demand has skyrocketed, and the issues facing the hungry are more complex.
“In 2001 Hamilton Food Share (HFS) increased its food recovery efforts to raise an additional 700,000 pounds per year totaling 2.2 million pounds of food annually. Since then we have maintained that level of food raising and it is still not enough. In addition to our food recovery program (food raised through food industry donations and food drives) HFS has established a Hunger Relief Fund for the sole purpose of buying specific food products needed and identified by each member. We’ll be concentrating on building this Fund to further increase food supplies in the coming year,” stated Joanne Santucci, Executive Director of Hamilton Food Share.
Food Banks are asking their local community to launch a food drive, make a personal donation or donate your time. Call the food bank in your neighbourhood and ask how you can help. Most food banks are looking for basic items such as: Pasta Sauce, Pasta, Tuna, Peanut Butter, Margarine, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Canned potatoes, Canned Meat, Pork and Beans, baby formula, baby food and diapers.
EFAC members hope that today ignites the passion that Hamiltonians are known for and that their community support will make difference.
-30-
For further information contact:
Rachel O’Reilly
Hamilton Food Share
(905) 664-9065 x 222
Emergency Food Action Committee Representatives
Present at Press Conference
Ken Quidgan,
Living Rock Ministries
30 Wilson St.
(905) 528-7625
Thanh Campbell
Mission Services
50 Murray St.
(905) 528-5100
Denise Arkell
Neighbour to Neighbour
28 Athens St.
(905) 574-1334
Reverend Wendy Roy
St. Matthews House
414 Barton St.
(905) 523-5546
Major Byron Jacobs
The Salvation Army
80 Bay St. N.
(905) 521-1660 x 124
Kari Astels
Welcome Inn
40 Wood St.
(905) 525-5824
Thom Davies
Wesley Urban Ministries
195 Ferguson Ave.
(905) 528-5640
Joanne Santucci
Hamilton Food Share
(905) 664-9065 x 232
