Out of the many problems facing us today, one of the most significant is food insecurity. This is a pressing issue that affects millions of families and individuals worldwide, including many here in Calgary. Fortunately, young advocates are stepping up to create change by playing an essential role in raising awareness. Here’s how youth can get involved in addressing hunger and food insecurity, both locally and globally.
What is Food Insecurity?
According to the Government of Canada, food insecurity is defined as the inability to acquire or consume an adequate diet quality or sufficient quantity of food in socially acceptable ways, or the uncertainty that one will be able to do so. (1) That’s a lot of words – simply put, it’s “when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from.” (2)
How big is this problem, really?
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, “around 2.33 billion people globally faced moderate or severe food insecurity… Among those, over 864 million people experienced severe food insecurity, going without food for an entire day or more at times.” (3)
- In 2022, 6.9 million people, or 18% of Canadian families, experienced some level of food insecurity over the past 12 months, according to a report by Statistics Canada. (4)
- According to CBC News, Calgary has also seen a significant rise in food bank usage in recent years. From September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, the Calgary Food Bank logged 485,900 total annual visits. This number was up more than 100,000 compared to 2023, amounting to a 28% increase. (5)
Why Food Insecurity Matters to Youth
For young people, food insecurity can hit close to home. It isn’t only about hunger; studies show that a lack of proper nutrition is linked to lower academic performance and concentration, as well as increased physical, behavioral, and mental health challenges. According to a research brief, “Breakfast for Behavior“, by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), food insecurity can hinder children’s abilities to form social relationships, engage in the classroom, make it likelier for them to be in trouble at school, and increase the risk for developing mental health issues, such as chronic/toxic stress, mood disorders, and anxiety. (6)
So… How Can YOU Help?
Volunteer at a Food Bank
Food banks are constantly looking for volunteers to help sort, pack, and distribute food to families in need. There are many websites that have directories to help you find a food bank near you.
In Calgary, the Calgary Food Bank welcomes volunteers of all ages. Volunteering is a hands-on way to help address food insecurity in our city.
Organize a Local Food Drive
Food drives are one of the most effective ways to gather resources. You can consider starting a drive in your school or community to collect canned goods and non-perishable items. At the same time, you can make it a group effort and raise awareness about hunger.
Support Community Gardens
Community gardens grow fresh, healthy produce that is often distributed for free or at a low cost.
For example, organizations like Grow Calgary use urban agriculture to help provide fresh produce for food-insecure individuals. Volunteering to help maintain and support community gardens, or even starting one yourself, is a great way to promote local access to healthy food.
Raise Awareness on Social Media
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are powerful tools for spreading the word about food insecurity. Share facts, resources, and ways to get involved to inspire your friends and followers.
Participate in Advocacy Programs
Joining youth organizations focused on food security, like the Food Secure Canada Youth Caucus (FSCYC), can connect you with larger advocacy projects and help you learn more about how to make a lasting impact. Becoming a part of these programs can connect youth to larger hunger relief efforts.
Did You Know?
- Food waste is a huge problem. Approximately 30-40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (7)
- Food insecurity affects 1 in 6 Canadian children. According to PROOF, a food insecurity research program by the University of Toronto, millions of Canadian children lack consistent access to nutritious food. (8)
- School meal programs are crucial. In many communities, school meals are a primary food source for kids. COVID-19 brought new attention to the importance of these programs.
Final Thoughts
Food insecurity might feel like a massive problem, but with small steps, we can make a big difference. Every can donated, post shared, or hour volunteered brings us closer to a future where everyone has access to nutritious food.
Image credits: All images, including the featured image, were used under creative commons licenses from Unsplash.