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Food banks a symptom of poor policies

Re: “For many Canadians, access to food a challenge,” July 9.

Re: “For many Canadians, access to food a challenge,” July 9.

While Sylvain Charlebois makes an excellent observation when he writes that food banks are in the “larger business of wellness,” his solution to hunger still appears to be to institutionalize food banks and perhaps even charge users for the services rendered. All in the name of restoring self-respect and serving market forces.

Anyone who has spent time in the food banks of this city realizes that charitable food-support systems are not a temporary fix while people pull themselves together due to a downward economic cycle. They have become the way governments prefer to feed hungry people in our community.

Yet Canada is signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which “recognize[s] the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions.”

How is it then that vulnerable Canadians living with disabilities, mental health conditions, and/or serious substance abuse problems remain inadequately housed and fed?

Hunger is indeed a cruel reality here in Canada, but building a better mousetrap is not the solution. No matter how clean and comfortable the shelters, or welcoming and efficient the food banks and soup kitchens, they will never replace the dignity of living in your own home and being able to prepare your own meals.

Governments need to do a better job of redistributing the wealth of this nation.

Susan Draper

Victoria