Food Security
Food security exists when all people have access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food to meet their needs and food preferences.
Food insecurity is the inability to acquire or consume an adequate diet, or a large enough quantity of food, in socially acceptable ways1.
Food insecurity is more than being hungry. Living with food insecurity can mean worrying about running out of food before you have money to buy more. It can also mean not having access to healthy food.
At Grand River Community Health Centre (GRCHC), we believe in addressing food insecurity. We recognize that people facing food insecurity experience health issues that can impact their lives, long term. Research shows that families and individuals who are faced with food insecurity report higher levels of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and mental health concerns.
GRCHC wishes to recognize the deep connection that Indigenous peoples have to their own cultural food systems. Indigenous food systems represent strong spiritual connection to the land, to traditions, to food sovereignty, and very importantly to overall wellbeing2.
GRCHC is committed to working with local community partners to tackle the social-demographic issues of food insecurity.
What is our community doing about food insecurity?
There are many groups and organizations in Brantford/Brant County working to help with food access by providing food and opportunities to develop food skills.
| Brant Food System Coalition |
|
The Brant Food System Coalition (BFSC) is a highly collaborative group of individuals and organization representatives who have a passion for local and sustainable food. Through advocacy, action, planning, education, networking and collaboration BFSC works to create a thriving local food system that is socially, financially and environmentally sustainable. Find more information about the Brant Food System Coalition on the Feed Brant Website or on Facebook. |
| Feed Brant |
|
Feed Brant is a resource that can help you find free and low-cost places to eat, grow, learn about, and eat food locally. To find out more visit the Feed Brant Website. |
| Brantford Food Bank |
|
The Brantford Food Bank offers emergency food bank services to individuals and families in Brantford, Brant and Six Nations. This includes low-income children, families, the elderly, the homeless, and abuse survivors. The Brantford Food Bank also provides Food Distribution to other community food and meal providers. The Brantford Food Bank believes that every person should have nutritious food and balanced meals. To find out more visit the Brantford Food Bank Website. |
| Community Meal Calendar |
|
There are many local groups and organizations that offer meal programs within the City of Brantford. See the City of Brantford Meal Calendar for times and locations of programs. |
| Equal Ground Community Gardens |
|
Equal Grounds Community Gardens (EGCG) has been growing community gardens throughout Brantford since 2009. EGCG provides assistance and support to a large network of community garden projects. These gardens, maintained by community residents and volunteers, provide places for growing local, healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables in our local city and neighbourhood parks. Visit the Equal Grounds Community Gardens Website for more info. |
Food Hub Feasibility Study
“Community is built around the table”
-Brant Food System Coalition Stakeholder
Early in 2021, GRCHC received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to assess the feasibility, readiness and capacity for a Community Food Hub in Brantford/Brant. Working closely with the Brant Food System Coalition (BFSC), peer researchers and consultants from Openly, over 440 community members, community leaders, volunteers, agency staff and BFSC members shared their thoughts and vision for a connected food system in Brantford/Brant County.
Study findings and next steps coming soon!
References
1. Stats Canada (June, 2021) Food insecurity. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/subjects/health/lifestyle_and_social_conditions/food_insecurity.
2. Morrison, D. (2011). Indigenous food sovereignty: a model for social learning. Food sovereignty in Canada: Creating just and sustainable food systems, 97-113.