Food banks remain a symptom of bigger problems – poverty and social inequality. We need systemic change to fix those bigger problems. Protesters rally in front of the Vancouver Public Library last March against B.C.'s lack of a poverty reduction plan. >>> Photo credit: The Province |
The truth is, food banks remain a symptom of bigger problems – poverty and social inequality.
According to Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), one in seven Canadians – including one in five children and four in 10 Indigenous children – live in poverty.
Plenty of research demonstrates that poverty negatively affects health. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports people living in poverty suffer a greater incidence of hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and more mental health issues. One in 10 suffer from diabetes and other health-related issues.
And, according to Statistics Canada, 40,000 Canadians – 110 people each day – suffer premature death as a result of poverty.
So who’s on top and how are they faring? READ MORE
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