Kingston declares food insecurity an emergency, urges bold action

Despite challenges, food bank says Kingston’s community support remains strong

Kingston city council has declared food insecurity an emergency, highlighting a crisis affecting 1 in 3 local households. 

Coun. Brandon Tozzo’s motion passed unanimously, urging action to tackle this growing issue.

Dan Irwin, Executive Director of the Partners in Mission Food Bank spoke to council before the vote. 
  

Food insecurity, tied to poverty and poor health, worsens with rising costs, unstable jobs, and shocks like COVID-19. Social assistance rates fail to cover a healthy diet, leaving families struggling.

Irwin adds it can happen to anyone, from any walk of life. 

He was also asked what Kingstonians can do to help right now. 

Despite the challenges presented by the economy and other factors, Irwin says Kingston’s community support remains strong.

The motion calls on the provincial and federal governments to provide assistance to Kingstonians and people across the province living with food insecurity. It asks for social assistance rates to be raised, and to increase base funding to food programs, among other things.