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What Does Food Security Mean in Toronto?
The biggest challenge to food security where I live is somewhat different than that seen in Africa. Where I live food is abundant and obesity and health issues related to food are on the rise. Here it is not an issue of space where to grow food, rather the how. The act of planting a garden and the act of cooking a meal are skills that are slowly being lost. Here's an interesting article on the (Ontario Student Assistance Program) OSAP diet. In that article students feel they can't eat well for $7.50 / day. Can you live on that amount of money and eat healthy? The answer is yes if you have the skills and no if you don't.
So how is this food security issue being addressed in a big city like Toronto? Well I came across a group called Foodshare. It's a very interesting group working at a grassroot level. They are looking at hunger and food issues and have created a variety of interesting programs, definetly worth checking out. Some programs include the GoodFood Box, Urban Gardening, School Programs, community Kitchens, there appears to be something for everyone. The quote below is from their website:
"We try to promote an awareness that fresh, wh*** foods are key to health, well being and disease prevention, and to illustrate this principle through all our programs."
In many countries, food security is about having enough food to feed the nation's people. In Canada, I think food security is about feeding our people in a healthy way. This principle should apply to everyone: rich or poor. All people should have access and the skills to grow and prepare healthy food. Organizations like Foodshare are doing their part to ensure that type of "security" in a city like Toronto.
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