Foodbank Usage in Canada

Canada's first Foodbank was set up in 1981 as a temporary measure for helping with emergency food supplies.  Today, more and more people must use Foodbanks to survive.

I believe Canadians need affordable chicken and eggs as one part of a plan to achieve food independence and self-sufficiency, reducing or eliminating the need for Foodbanks.

Some feel that Foodbanks trap the poor from which they cannot escape, similar to dysfunctional foreign aid going to Africa.   Some propose the approach of Operation Sharing, as described on  CBC Radio, The 180, and implemented by Food for Friends in North York ON, as a more viable option; rather than continuing Foodbanks.  Also see here and here.  Paraphrasing St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660),

"When you feed the poor, please ask for their forgiveness. You are giving them a bowl of soup but they give up their dignity.”

Either way, there is a need of more affordable, nutritious food for Canadians.

Figure 1:  Foodbank usage in Canada has grown at the average rate of
2.21% per year since 1989.  That means a doubling and re-doubling
of users every 31.6 years.  Between 1989 and 2014, usage has increased
220%

Figure 1 at the right shows foodbank usage in Canada has grown at the average rate of 2.21% per year since 1989.  That means a doubling and re-doubling of users every 31.6 years.  Between 1989 and 2014, usage has increased 220%.

Without affordable chicken and eggs, the poor and unfortunate are chained to the free food distribution warehouse.

Will the millionaire Chicken Mafia provide affordable chicken & eggs?  I doubt it.  They are just millionaires, but have dreams of becoming billionaires.  If chicken and eggs were affordable, it would take longer for the Chicken Mafia to achieve their billionaire dream.

The government will have to force them to provide affordable food.

Will SFPFC's Petition help sway the government?

If the government fails to act against their Chicken Mafia friends and lobbyists, then it will be up to the people themselves.

Will the Courts side with the people through some "Right To Food" or Charter Challenge?

Or will it eventually come down to pitchforks, torches, nooses, or guillotines?

Right now is either:

• The beginning of the end;
  
  OR
• The end of the beginning.

Time will tell all.