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LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

Through data-driven national research, we study the complex systems and underlying root causes that contribute to food insecurity and poverty in Canada.

With this data we develop and advocate for fact-based policy recommendations to target these root causes.

With our partners’ support, our research team engages in leading and innovative research as well as investments in systems to collect data on the measure of food bank use within Canada.  Through this work our Advocacy team works in collaboration with the food bank network to advocate for meaningful policy change through all levels of government.

Through this support a few examples of the impact of this work include:

Introduction of the Canada Child Benefit

Introduction of the Canada Child Benefit, a new cash benefit for families with young children, indexed to inflation, geared towards helping the most vulnerable families. This was a key recommendation of our HungerCount report, which has proven to have had an impact on reducing food insecurity.

Introduction of the Canada Child Benefit

A 10% increase of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

A 10% increase of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for single seniors after our data showed that single seniors are particularly vulnerable to poverty and food insecurity.

A 10% increase of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Expansion of the Canada Workers Benefit

Expansion of the Canada Workers Benefit (previously Working Income Tax Benefit) to allow low income workers to keep more of their income through employment without losing other benefits.

Expansion of the Canada Workers Benefit

Learn more about our effort to end hunger in Canada through our research and advocacy efforts

Thank you to our donors and partners who invest in the long-term solutions to eliminating food insecurity in Canada

RESEARCH TO UNDERSTAND THE UNDERLYING ROOT CAUSES OF FOOD INSECURITY IN CANADA

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR FOUNDATIONAs part of its Fill Your Tank program, the Enterprise Mobility Foundation has made a commitment through 2026 to finding and advocating for the long-term solutions needed to end hunger in Canada.   These investments include supporting HungerCount, our biennial) Network Survey.  This investment builds on their existing and continuing support for the implementation of Link2Feed – a client intake software that not only reduces the work of staff and volunteers, it provides the data needed to develop smart policy solutions.

“We are proud to help support the operations and infrastructure in food banks across Canada. Finding and advocating for the long-term solutions needed to end hunger in Canada will have a lasting impact on addressing food insecurity.” 

– Carolyn Kindle Betz, President, Enterprise Mobility Foundation

 

Maple Leaf LogoMaple leaf Centre for Action on Food Insecurity is a partner in the Material Deprivation Index Project Food Banks Canada is undergoing to support defining the true scope of poverty and additional factors affecting food security in Canada. 
“The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security has invested in a research project to help define the true scope of poverty and additional factors affecting food security in Canada. Through this project, an updated list of material deprivation indicators will be developed to be more reflective of the lived experience of people, in particular historically marginalized or oppressed groups, and the current realities of rapid inflation and pandemic-related unemployment. “Income-based measures, like the Market Basket Measure, only tell part of the story of poverty in Canada” says Sarah Stern, Leader of the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security. “A Material Deprivation Index for Canada will help improve our understanding of the experience of poverty and how it influences food insecurity and will support calls for policy change.”

– Michael H. McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, and Honorary Chair of The Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security

RESEARCH TO UNDERSTAND THE UNDERLYING ROOT CAUSES OF FOOD INSECURITY IN CANADA

TAX CLINICS SUPPORTED BY KPMG RETURN MILLIONS TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS

In collaboration with the network of food banks and provincial associations, and with increased funding and volunteer support from our corporate sponsor, KPMG in Canada, we have doubled the number of free tax return clinics included in the program from two to four and upgraded software to help more people access the benefits they deserve.

The UHC – Hub of Opportunities in Windsor, Ont. and Sources Community Resources Centre in White Rock, B.C., have joined The Mississauga Food Bank and Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre in filing 2021 taxes on behalf of clients in need. 

In 2022, together the four food banks and their volunteers processed 4,492 tax returns and nearly $18.2 million was returned to the pockets of individuals that access food banks.

“During these unprecedented times, our communities need help more than ever. Giving back and servicing our communities; through donating our time, money, or other resources – can create a long-lasting positive impact on the community. Filing taxes can be a stressful and costly matter for some individuals, so to be able to donate my time and skills to the community has filled my soul with joy!
Knowing that I can make a positive difference in someone’s life brings me true joy and happiness.”

– Betty Yohannes, Tax Specialist – Canadian Corporate Tax, KPMG in Canada

TAX CLINICS SUPPORTED BY KPMG RETURN MILLIONS TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS

ACCESSING REAL-TIME DATA ON FOOD BANK USE ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO INSPIRE CHANGE

FCC LogoSyngenta Logo

Being in a region that is geographically isolated can mean dealing with a totally unique set of challenges—specifically when it comes to a lack of visibility and resources. That’s where technology can play a vital role in helping smaller food banks to be seen and heard.

“We’re in a fairly new building that’s been wired for Internet,” explains Maria Leonard, volunteer treasurer at the Humboldt and District Food Bank Society. “But up until recently, we didn’t have the funds for a computer, let alone the Internet. So, we simply handled all of our data entry by hand, which wasn’t very efficient in hindsight. In our search for a more modern system of keeping track of client information, we learned about Link2Feed. That was pretty much the impetus for us to make the change. Thanks to the Rural Technology Fund through Food Banks Canada, we were able to afford to make that change.”

Made possible by donors, such as Syngenta and Farm Credit Canada, the Rural Technology Fund also helped the Stettler and District Food Bank Society make a similar switch. “We received the Rural Technology Fund,” states Mark Higgins, vice chair of the board for the Stettler and District Food Bank Society. “The grant covered the purchase of our laptop and accessories, and it also covered Link2Feed licensing for the year. Before Link2Feed, our volunteers would spend roughly 10 to 12 hours entering and updating client information every month. Besides being beyond thankful for the money, we also appreciate the fact that the application process was quite simple—as applying for some grants can be like pulling teeth.”

Now that the technology is in place, both Mark and Maria are already noticing the benefits.

Read more https://foodbankscanada.ca/inspiring-change-through-technology/

In 2020, Syngenta celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020, with additional donations of $20,000 to Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and Food Bank Canada’s Rural Support Program.

“It’s fitting to continue our partnership with Food Banks Canada, because 20 years ago, we launched Syngenta with the rural initiative. For the past 20 years, we have been passionately focused on our customers, and part of that means we support the communities where they live and farm.”

– Trevor Heck, Syngenta Canada President 

ACCESSING REAL-TIME DATA ON FOOD BANK USE ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO INSPIRE CHANGE

HELP SUPPORT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS