Food Banks: a system failure.
Last week our Winter Food Drive began. The demand for food has been steadily growing and there are days when we have to turn people away. This is never an easy task. Fortunately, our community responds very generously to calls for food and, in winter, for warm clothing. Over the past week, mitts, hats scarves and coats have been coming in on a regular basis. Several trade unions have started food drives for us and are asking their memebers to give. Unfortunately, we are not the only food bank in the city nor the only food provider. There are breakfast clubs, hot meal programs, food hampers, all are experiencing increased demand and need, especially during the Holiday Season.
Various studies have shown that demand is on the rise and many are drawing the conclusion that our food system is failing to meet the basic needs of far too many citizens. My observations agree. The system is is failing but so are our efforts to shore up the failure. If the demand is growing and my eyes tell me it is then the solution is not effective.
This alternative food delivery system is largely volunteer run and is known for its high burn out rate, which is largely considered to be caused by the sheer extent of the problem which is supported by the increase in demand. In some cities, food that would otherwise be wasted is diverted into the secondary food system. This is not garbage but perfectly good food that would otherwise be thrown away. Our food bank only operates twice a month and is often unable to take advantage of available food donations because the items are perishable. Recently our milk supply was cut in half by the dairy because of increased need.
I feel there is little doubt that North America is facing a food security crisis and the emergency measures i.e. food banks, which were put in place to defuse this emergency have become permanent fixtures and have formed a secondary food system which is also failing.