Peter Kerek Asks:
Food Banks first started appearing in Canada in the early 1980's - and their usage has only increased since then. Why do you think Food Banks have become a permanent institution in Canada, even though we live in a country that has no shortage of food? And what systemic changes need to occur to eliminate the need for Food Banks?
Food banks exist because we have had a movement by government to rely on social agencies and the public generosity and compassion as currency instead of providing basic income, controlling housing and utility costs. This is systemic and affects everyone. The measure of success in society should not be gauged by how well the top earners are doing but how well the lowest earners are doing. In Canada the gap is growing governments continue to shift responsibility. Universal income, more employers willing to employ folks on disability or with barriers to employment would eliminate the need for Food Banks. People want a hand up, not a hand out.