Take Time on October 17th to Think Beyond Food Banks
http://dignityforall.ca/en/take-time-october-17th-think-beyond-food-banks
3.8 million people in Canada cannot access the food they need. Close to 1 million people use food banks each month. Food banks are not a sufficient response. Surely we can do better.
This year on October 17th, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we propose that people think beyond food banks to solutions that address the root causes of poverty. Set up as temporary measures in the 1980s, food banks have now become part of the charitable fabric of our society. But do they end food insecurity? They address an immediate need, but why are they still around 30 years later?
This becuase Canada does not have federal leadership on food security or a national poverty plan to end poverty.
This October 17th, we ask you to Chew on This! and look ahead to ending food insecurity for good.
Here is how you can get involved:
Chew on This! 
October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and Dignity for All is asking food bank, meal program, shelter workers/volunteers and social justice advocates to add their voice and unique experiences to a call for a national poverty elimination strategy.
Here is what will happen:
Volunteers will be handing out lunch bags to passers-by and politicians with the words "Chew on This" printed on the outside, and an apple and a postcard on the inside. The postcard will have stats/info about food insecurity and an option to sign and send it to parliament as a call for a national poverty elimination strategy.
Where: Cities across Canada:
- Whitehorse, YK
- Victoria, BC
- Vancouver, BC
- Richmond, BC
- Calgary, AB
- Regina, SK
- Windsor, ON
- Hamilton, ON
- Toronto, ON
- Newmarket, ON
- Ottawa, ON - including Parliament Hill
- Halifax, NS
When: October 17, 2013. 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Who: Organizations, dedicated advocates and food banks staff/volunteers—from the sweet retired church ladies to the fiery students, and everyone in between. And YOU!
What can YOU do? Help us promote the event to local media and get more organizations/volunteers to sign up. For those who are based in Ottawa we have an online registration page here which will help us gauge numbers, assign sites, and send out final details closer to the date. Or volunteer at an event and help hand out bags. Email us at the address below to be put in touch with organizers in your area.
Watch this website for more information. Questions? Email us at dignity [at] dignityforall.ca
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