Read the Stories Share on your Networks Sign the Petition Provide Local Support
Income Security for Food Security
Food insecurity in Guelph and Wellington County is a crisis.
18% of households in our community are food insecure, while 1 in 4 children in Ontario are food insecure. Food insecurity likely affects someone you know. It can look like worrying daily about being able to buy food, skipping meals, eating too little or not being able to afford healthy options. High living costs, unexpected expenses, illness or job loss can put any of us at risk.
Household Food insecurity is the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. People who are food insecure do not have enough money for food. Food insecurity occurs at different levels of intensity where greater insecurity leads to worse health and social outcomes.
Read the infographic to learn more.
Food insecurity is the result of failure to address income insecurity.
Financial vulnerability is the cause of food insecurity. Jobs with low pay, not enough hours or no benefits, poverty level social assistance rates, and high living costs all contribute to the problem.
Did you know?
- Ontario Works rates have been frozen since 2018.
- Most people experiencing food insecurity are working.
A lack of action on this issue hurts us all.
Food insecurity hurts people’s physical, social and mental wellbeing. When we don’t feel well, it is harder to function at school, work, home and in the community. Food insecurity can cause significant health issues, which leads to huge costs to the healthcare system.
Did you know?
- Due to barriers including transportation, dietary needs, stigma, and shame, only 25% of food insecure households use food access services such as food banks. Though charitable food programs can provide important relief, they are not a solution to food insecurity.
Together, we can demand action to solve food insecurity.
Income insecurity is the root cause of food insecurity. Policy change is the solution. Join us in calling on the Provincial Government to support:
- higher social assistance rates
- higher minimum wage rates
- affordable housing
Together, we can solve food insecurity by taking action – demand change, spread the word and if you can, provide support below.
this infographic
for more information.
How can you help? Four things that you can do today!
1. Sign the petition to demand an increase to social assistance rates.
Learn how by visiting the petition page.
2. Learn more about food insecurity in our community.
Community members living with food insecurity in Wellington County and Guelph shared their stories and expertise with us. Using what was shared, we created 8 fictional stories based on real experiences. These stories reflect the lived realities of so many people in our community who live with food insecurity. Read the stories.
3. Spread the word and share on your networks!
Income security for food security is an important community conversation. Learn more on this website and talk about the food insecurity crisis at your dinner table, at social gatherings, in the workplace and in gathering with friends and family. Start your own social media campaign! In addition to the stories, below are several graphics that can help you spread the word.
Follow the steps below to use these images and suggested posts on your social media channels!
- Step 1: Select which pre-made post you’d like to share on your socials from the options below.
- Step 2: Copy the suggested language below the image by highlighting the text.
- Step 3: Hover your mouse over the images to bring up the sharable buttons on the top right hand corner. Select which social media network you would like to share this campaign to.
- Step 4: Share the post to your community!
Food insecurity has become a crisis across #Guelph and #WellingtonCounty. It can affect anyone, anytime. Better income policies are the solution. Learn more, sign the petition and #DemandChangeGW – Visit www.gwpoverty.ca/food-insecurity
No-one should have to choose between paying rent, food and other essentials. Food insecurity is a crisis in #Guelph and #WellingtonCounty. Better income policies are the solution. Learn more, sign the petition and #DemandChangeGW – Visit www.gwpoverty.ca/food-insecurity
18% of households in our community are food insecure. It’s an appalling reality. Better income policies are the solution. Learn more, sign the petition and #DemandChangeGW – Visit www.gwpoverty.ca/food-insecurity
4. Provide local support if you can.
Food access programs, like food banks, do not solve food insecurity – but they do provide essential relief. If you have the time, get involved by volunteering at a food access service in your community.
If you are able, please consider donating to the below initiatives.
- The Centre Wellington Community Foundation’s Food Support Fund provides dollars to community organizations to support the food needs of their clients. By donating today, your dollars go directly to food access initiatives in Centre Wellington and help fight food insecurity. Learn more at cwcfoundation.ca.
- The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s Poverty to Possibility Funding Stream supports the ultimate goals of reducing barriers, increasing access, and building stability for those experiencing poverty. Together, with your investments, people are moving from poverty to possibility. Learn more at unitedwayguelph.com/focus-areas/from-poverty-to-possibility/
Learn More About Food Insecurity
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health Nutritious food basket 2023 report
Learn about the Charter for Food Justice
