Hunger & Access to Food

We live in a society where food production exceeds food consumption, and where food waste are at some of the highest global levels. Despite the volume of food produced, farmers receive a very small proportion of our food dollar, and in Manitoba 22% of children live in poverty, with close to 30% going to school hungry every day.  Food bank use is at an all time high in our province, with more than 50 food banks spread across Manitoba. 

Soup kitchens in Winnipeg serve thousands of people, while food programs at seniors’ residences, schools, day cares, and churches feed thousands more who otherwise might not eat every day.  Hunger affects people from all walks of life, with a particular impact on women, and the most frequent users of food banks, soup kitchens, and meal programs are:

• low-income earners including the "working poor"
• the elderly
• children
• people with disabilities

Hunger affects a person’s ability to thrive and contribute to their community. It also contributes to serious health problems and other issues related to inadequate or poor quality diets. For more information about  diet and nutrition, please see the Healthy Eating section of this website.

See the Learn More and Take action buttons, top left, for more information.