PSA: National Hunger Awareness Week 2012

Last week was National Hunger Awareness week, and although I'm a bit late in posting this, I thought it's still really important to share!

Did you know?

• Hundreds of thousands of Canadians use food banks because they do not have enough money to feed themselves or their families. Children. Seniors. People with disabilities. People who have jobs and still can't make ends meet.
• Hunger in Canada exists because deep and persistent poverty continues in the country. For more than a decade, diverse and inter-related factors have sustained this situation: a labour market that fails to provide enough jobs with stable, livable wages; a rise in precarious and non-standard employment; a fraying income security system that does not provide sufficient financial support for those in need; a lack of affordable, social housing; and accessible and affordable child care. People living in poverty cannot afford sufficient, nutritious food. Many turn to food banks to help them meet this most basic need.
• Hunger in Canada can be alleviated. Everyone can play a part in reducing hunger!  Not just at Christmas either - people need help all year long!

I always feel really fortunate to live in Canada and to have the opportunity to earn all the things our family wants and needs, but these opportunities don't come as easily to others as they do to me, you or many of the people we know.  I think it's important to help out pals in need when we can, so with the help of my office social committee, we made bagged lunches and sold them to our co-workers to raise money for our local food bank!

Choices: chicken, ham or veggie!

It was a great success, as all of our fundraising schemes, and best part - the lunches were delicious!!  I don't know why, but a sandwich always tastes better when someone else makes it for you ;)

Ready for delivery!!

There is probably a pretty good chance that right now, your local Food Bank has a need for food or funds to stock their shelves - take a quick look in your pantry or even your wallet; a little goes a long way!  Share with others some of the benefits you may enjoy because of the opportunities you are given!

xo