Before the Pandemic food insecurity affected many households. In a study collected from May 4 to May 10, 2020, approximately one in seven Canadians (14.6%). Find more information here: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/201216/dq201216d-eng.htm

This information was collected early in the pandemic, with many families and individuals being without work or having reduced hours food insecurity has increased.  Food Banks have seen an influx of visitors by 6x the usual amount. They are reporting that due to the Pandemic many families and individuals that would have donated are unable due to the current economic climate. Find more information here https://globalnews.ca/news/7672613/covid-19-regina-food-bank-record-high-demand/

The Government of Canada created the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), in order to qualify for this resource you can not make more than $1000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the four-week benefit period of your claim. They then started the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) where you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period. Find more information here: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit/crb-who-apply.html

On April 3rd, 2021, they began the third lockdown in the Peel Region, and on April 5th, 2021 they announced that school will be closed for two weeks, April 6- April 19th, 2021. Many families are already struggling to provide for their families and the constant closing down and reopening of establishments are not allowing them to provide for their households. Find more information here: https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/peel-schools-ordered-to-close-despite-ford-government-s-firm-belief-they-should-remain-open-1.5375073

To fight the battle of food insecurity, the Government should provide subsidies to restaurants and grocery stores so that they can sell food at an affordable price ensuring all Canadians have access to food that considers their religion and dietary needs.