With rising food costs a top issue in the minds of voters, the Cambridge Food Bank invited local provincial candidates for a tour of their Ainslie Street headquarters Monday to feed their knowledge on issues surrounding affordability and the increasingly important role the food bank plays in the health of the community.
But candidates also learned it's much more than a resource for those struggling with food insecurity.
“The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, especially people who are financially struggling. We have seen an increase in families who rely on the programs and services that we offer,” said Sarah Tooze, donor development manager at the Cambridge Food Bank.
It's a need, Tooze says, is only expected to rise with the increasing cost of food and other fixed costs.
The Cambridge Food Bank served over 2,000 people last month alone.
“The Cambridge Food Bank wants the candidates to understand that progressive policies can make a difference to people experiencing food insecurity,” Tooze said.
As they toured the facility, candidates learned about the many programs and services that support people who experience food insecurity and how the Cambridge Food Bank wants to ensure that everyone has access to healthy food.
From speaking with staff and volunteers in various areas including the kitchen, the street outreach team, children and youth programming, the community pantry, and the Mobile Food Market, candidates learned about some of the challenges people face when they experience food insecurity and rely on the food bank.
“This is my third time running. And I have visited the Food Bank a few times now. Wow! With each year, you have really upped the game,” said David Weber, Green party candidate for KitchenerSouth-Hespeler.
“I wonder what’s to come in the next few years.”
Dianne McLeod, executive director at the Cambridge Food Bank, hosted the tour and said that it’s about removing all barriers; from offering early interventions to children and youth, to teaching healthy eating habits, and cooking classes for families.
McLeod said the community always pulls together to make things happen.
“It’s important to have the candidates come here and see what services are available to their constituents. But this event is about learning and getting our message out, and to spread the news about all of the innovative work we are doing,” she added.
“It’s so important to learn about everything the food bank offers and all of the wrap around supports from teaching kids, families and seniors about healthy eating and ways that they can improve their overall health,” said Joanne Weston NDP candidate for Kitchener South-Hespeler.
“It’s not just about giving food. It’s become so much more. It’s about community.”
Candidates learned the Cambridge Food Bank was one of the first food banks to develop a shopping model with its community pantry; a service that allows people to walk in and pick up items just like they would at a grocery store as a way to maintain dignity.
Similarly, the Mobile Food Market is a fresh produce market on wheels. The goal is to increase access to fresh food, at an affordable cost, making it easier for people to get the healthy food they need.
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Market and can benefit from getting more access to fresh, healthy food at a cost they can afford.
Each week a selection of food is available for a flat rate of $5. The Market features a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a selection of dried goods such as rice, beans, and some non perishable items.
Candidates also had the opportunity to participate in the Spring in Action Food Drive by sorting food donated by members of the community.
For Jess Dixon, PC candidate in Kitchener South-Hespeler, it was her first visit the Cambridge Food Bank.
“It’s so exciting to visit and to see the many programs the food Bank offers that go way beyond food from programs for children to educating people on how to manage their diets,” Dixon said.
“It’s been a great visit. I think everyone should take the opportunity to visit the Cambridge Food Bank and see what’s being done here. The focus is on education, dignity, and community.”
To help restock the shelves, the Cambridge Food Bank’s 2022 Spring into Action Food and Fund Drive is in full force and in need of community support to ensure that everyone has access to healthy food over the spring and summer months.
“As far as food bank services go, the Cambridge Food Bank is ahead of the curve,” Weber said.
“I’m so impressed and I can’t wait to see were it goes.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Cambridge Food Bank, visit here.
