While living in such a beautiful and prosperous part of the world, it can be hard to grasp just how many Greater Victoria residents struggle daily to get nutritious food.
But the truth is that an estimated 50,000 people, 14 per cent of the population, are food-insecure in our region. It’s hardly believable. Food banks, emergency hampers and meal programs serve about 20,000 of these people, but there are an additional 30,000 “hidden hungry” who do not get these services and struggle to feed themselves and their families.
To help address this issue, this month a group of like-minded organizations gathered at a warehouse in Esquimalt to open a facility devoted to increasing both the quantity and quality of food available to those in need.
The Food Rescue Distribution Centre is a collaboration among Rotary Clubs of Greater Victoria, Thrifty Foods, the Victoria Foundation, the 40-plus members of the Food Share Network and their operational partner, the Mustard Seed Street Church.
Quality, perishable food donated by Thrifty Foods is being collected, cleaned and sorted at the facility by the Mustard Seed and redistributed to Food Share Network partners. From there, the food is distributed to vulnerable clients, including school children, seniors and First Nations.
An additional benefit is that by redistributing these perishable foods, up to 2,000 kilograms of food per day will be diverted from composting.
That children, families and residents of all ages know the pangs of true hunger is unacceptable. That people we might see daily have to make choice between either feeding their families or paying their rent is tragic.
Most of us never have to experience this, and it’s our responsibility to do whatever is in our power to help others avoid these unfortunate circumstances.
Ultimately, we believe in a future where we focus less on the symptoms of food insecurity and more on addressing the root causes, so everyone in our community has sustainable access to affordable, nutritious food.
We’re very proud to be a part of this project, and seeing the enthusiasm and passion of all involved is truly inspiring.
The Food Rescue Project is up and running now, and you’ll hear more about it in the near future. Stay tuned.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
