3 organizations tackling food insecurity in Indigenous communities – Broadview Magazine
October 29, 2021
For many people, food security means more than just low-cost food and access to grocery stores
In March 2020, Food Secure Canada reported that one in eight Canadians were food insecure, while Indigenous households experienced food insecurity two or three times higher than the national average. Typically, individuals who experience food insecurity are thought of as those who are forced to skip meals or are underfed. Yet, food insecurity can also mean not having access to fresh, nutritious produce or being unable to access preferred cultural foods that make up a majority of your diet.
According to PROOF, a research program through the University of Toronto committed to studying food insecurity and policies, food insecurity has many negative impacts on one’s physical and mental health. Individuals who experience food insecurity are at a greater risk for developing conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and more. Food-insecure individuals are also at a greater risk of developing mental health issues such as depression, mood disorders or even suicidal thoughts. For communities impacted by food insecurity, these challenges can make it harder for individuals to focus and succeed in school or even perform everyday tasks.
