What about now?

Toronto food banks have recently been negatively affected by the recession, notes an article in the Toronto Star. Not only has usage increased, but there has been a simultaneous drop in donations and volunteer efforts. Combined, this has created an unfortunate situation where there is an extreme shortage in the supplies needed to feed those in need. The article goes on to suggest that the remedy for this influx of individuals and a decrease in donations is to implement long-term plans and policy. I understand that in the long-run, well thought out and detailed policies will be beneficial to future generations of food bank users. However, whenever I hear people proposing ‘policy’ as a fix for a situation, I’m likely to roll my eyes. I feel that no one really considers the impact of situations on the ‘now’. Long term policies will benefit those in the future; who will look after the ones in need today? I think the answer lies in the community. While we wait for the Government to bring about long-term change, the community needs to come together to really make a difference in the lives of people who are suffering at this moment.

In FNN 400, we discussed community assets, and how these can be a boon to communities and community building. In particular, I believe community coalitions are the key to the success of food banks especially now in their time of crisis. In coming together as a united group of people, all working towards the same goal (in this case, improving the state of Toronto’s hungry) there will be a synergy created that will undoubtedly positively affect not only the food insecure, but also those who are part of the coalition. I think the three main benefits of creating community coalitions are:

1. Assets: I think assets can be both tangible and intangible. By coming together and brainstorming ideas, groups of people can really bring about some effective change. The bonus in having a variety of people working together is that each brings a fresh perspective (asset) to the table; something that is missing in the current handling and treatment of food banks. I feel as though further development and refinement of the food bank system will require some creative problem solving; something which I strongly believe cannot be achieved by the work of one. In addition, assets in the form of monetary value are also integral to aiding food banks. Community initiatives are well known for their ability to garner public interest, and raise funds for a certain cause. Be it a sponsored car wash, or a fundraiser dinner, groups of people working together are notorious for coming up with unique ideas for raising much needed funds.

2. Financial resources: I think this is where community efforts can really be seen at their zenith. I remember in high school and even as far back as elementary school; come Christmas time, boxes and bins were ready for the collection of donations and generally, a specific monetary target was set. It was a yearly tradition, just the same as the year-end Christmas party. I think that by harnessing this ability to come together and serve a common purpose, we as a community can make a tangible difference to the problem of Toronto’s food security.

3. Social support: community by definition is a gathering of people who share a common goal. I think the greatest gift a community coalition can provide is not just in the money or food donations it gathers, but that of compassion and moral and social support. Just the simple act of a sympathetic ear may make the difference between a good day and a bad day. Although we may not necessarily be able to put ourselves in another’s shoes, we most certainly can call forth our ability to sympathize and make a tremendous difference in the lives of many.

http://www.gerardkennedy.ca/2009/11/toronto-star-food-banks-feel-effect-of-job-losses/