Protecting the Future: COVID-19's Impact on Food Insecurity among Children and Families
Written By: Susan Wright | Founder, summerlunch+
The COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous challenges for communities across the globe, including in Ontario where families are facing a significant crisis of food insecurity. The economic impact of the pandemic has led to job losses, inflation, and soaring food prices, making it difficult for families to afford healthy and nutritious meals.
With the prolonged impacts, many families are struggling to meet their basic needs, including food. The issue of food insecurity has become increasingly visible in recent years, with climate disasters affecting farming, supply chain disruptions, and inflationary pressures all contributing to the problem. A recent report from Public Health Ontario highlights that food insecurity impacts 16% of households in Ontario, which translates to approximately 2,340,000 people across the province who can't afford nutritious food on a regular basis. Shockingly, one in five children in Ontario is affected by food insecurity.
It is crucial to address this issue urgently and work together as a community to ensure that families have access to healthy and nutritious food. This is not only a matter of basic human right but also has long-term consequences for the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
At summerlunch+ we address food insecurity by working directly with children as the influencer in the home. Summer is a critical time for children’s development. Kids who rely on school food programs are missing important meals and families feel the increased financial burden. Children who have gaps in their summer food security, experience greater summer learning loss and fall behind their peers, requiring extra support in September to catch up.
We are looking for financial support to provide healthy and nutritious meals to families in need, and we need help to influence government to take action to ensure that all families have access to healthy and nutritious food. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that all members of our community have the resources they need to lead healthy and productive lives. Please join us in this important work.
Please join us!