Lever of Change

Food Security

19% of Calgarians and 27% of Alberta households experience food insecurity and are concerned about not having enough money for food. There were more than 174,000 visits to Alberta Food Banks in 2023, a 94% increase over 2019.

The onset of the pandemic in March 2020 resulted in heightened demand for emergency food assistance. This demand revealed gaps in the emergency food assistance system. Initiatives that address the cost of basic necessities such as food are essential, as without proper nutrition or access to healthy, culturally-appropriate foods, struggling Calgarians may lack the baseline of health and energy to take care of their families or move forward to face new challenges and will experience health issues, from obesity and type 2 diabetes to mental health challenges.

Food security has been a core focus of VCC's work over the past few years. In exploring the topic we have published perspectives from people studying and supporting those experiencing food insecurity. Check out a compilation of those perspectives.

In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission made 94 calls to action. Food security relates to two calls to action – 19 and 20, which are provided below.

“We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal peoples, to establish measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, and to publish annual progress reports and assess long-term trends. Such efforts would focus on indicators such as: infant mortality, maternal health, suicide, mental health, addictions, life expectancy, birth rates, infant and child health issues, chronic diseases, illness and injury incidence, and the availability of appropriate health services.”

“In order to address the jurisdictional disputes concerning Aboriginal people who do not reside on reserves, we call upon the federal government to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples.”