Hunger Awareness Week: May 7 to 11

     According to Food Banks Canada there are almost 900,000 people who rely on food banks each month, a number which is 26% higher than what existed prior to the 2008-2009 recession. Equally alarming is the fact that almost 38% of those served in food banks across Canada are children. I understand that it's difficult to humanize statistics and facts such as those listed above, that's why I'm urging you to reach out to your community. It won't take long for you to find someone close to you who is silently in need of help. It may be a single mother working two jobs in an attempt to put food on the table, or possibly a neighbour who just lost their job. The point is hunger is a growing problem in Canada and there are steps you can take to help those who need it.

   

     Give It Up for Hunger is a campaign created by Food Banks Canada in order to promote Hunger Awareness Week in Canada. The initiative is being supported by food banks across the country as Canadians are asked to give up their lunches or food staple for the week and share the experience online. This can be done through Facebook, Twitter, Blogging or Pinterest, or anything other social networking client you use. The hope of this campaign is to humanize the statistics and help people relate to those who are suffering.

Food Banks Canada, along with its provincial members and food banks across the country, are asking all Canadians to mark Hunger Awareness Week and to Give It Up for Hunger.

     Jeff Rollins, a freelance writer in Orangeville, has taken on the challenge set out by Food Banks Canada in order to make a positive impact on hunger in his community and across the country. He has written that he, along with his wife, plan to follow a "food box challenge" which is being held by Caledon Community Services. The challenge states that for a week they must live on the same diet a food bank client typically receives. Rollins has also committed to posting his experiences every day on his blog, which you can visit here. 

     I encourage you to do what you can to spread the awareness of hunger in Canada to those around you. With the help of social networks you can be as involved as you chose to be by simply sharing a video or committing to the Give It Up for Hunger campaign. For more details about Hunger Awareness Week click here. You can also donate $5 to Food Bank Canada by texting HUNGER to 30333 on your cellphone (the charge will appear on your next cellphone bill) or by clicking this link.