Food bank use is steeply rising as people struggle to manage the cost of food, shelter and other necessities. When people do not have enough food to feed themselves or their families, physical and mental health suffers which may contribute to higher health care costs. Food insecurity is a complex issue that requires support and coordination across many partners and levels of government. We must do all we can to increase food access to help those most in need in our community.

In Halton, we’re fortunate to have strong partnerships across sectors working together to ensure people can access healthy food. We actively support partners in Halton’s food security network through work done as part of Halton’s Community Safety & Well-Being - Food Security Action Table, with funding provided to local food security programs through our Halton Region Community Investment Fund.

Last week, I attended the official opening of FeedHalton (external link)’s new 11,000 square ft. Food Distribution Centre in Burlington. FeedHalton collects, manages, and distributes food to food banks and smaller community food programs, including meal delivery services. FeedHalton is a member of Feed Ontario and acts as a “hub” for partner agencies across Halton.

We provided $500,000 in one-time funding to help the Burlington Food Bank with capital infrastructure and start-up costs for FeedHalton. This funding helped purchase an industrial-size cooler, freezer, and covered 50% of the cost of a new refrigerated truck, which will help FeedHalton store and distribute food to local food support programs across Halton.

We have many great food programs and agencies in Halton, small and large, making a positive difference. Thank you for all you do every day to help people live, grow and thrive.