What is Do the Math- Eat the Math Campaign?
On November 17, 2010, local leaders (and their families, if they're joining them) will pick up a standard food bank hamper at their food bank. These hampers - which include an array of non-perishable food, would typically last a person three or four days, though many folks stretch this to a week or ten days. Our participants will live exclusively off the contents of the hamper for as long as they can. They will not eat out or accept free food or drink (though they are encouraged to eat at soup kitchens or church dinners). They will be allowed to use up to five standard pantry ingredients - oil, flour, salt, coffee, etc. - but are asked to keep track of the quantity of these items used.
Participants will make a donation to help cover the cost of the food bank hamper so that supplies can be replenished for community members who regularly access the food bank. Participants will be sharing their experience by keeping a daily diary of their journey.
To follow their journey, click on participants' photo!
Our Participants!
Click on a participants’ photo and scroll down to find out what they are saying!
Community Members are welcome to send comments to dothemath@healthunit.org or write about their own experiences. Please note that submissions to this address may be posted on the website but no reply will be sent.
What is the purpose of this campaign?
- To raise awareness that food security is a problem in our community
Food security exists when people “can get enough food to eat that is safe, that they like to eat, and that helps them to be healthy. They must be able to get this food in ways that make them feel good about themselves and their families.” Ontario Public Health Association
According to the Canadian Community Health Survey 2007, there are 65,090 households in LGL. 8.2% of households reported food insecurity .
55% of food insecure households rely on salaries and wages in Ontario.
- To raise awareness that people living with low income or on Social Assistance do not have enough money to buy nutritious food
9.4% of our residents live below the low income cut off which is $17,420 a year (after tax).
- To change people’s perception of poverty and food security.
Unless people have lived it, they do not understand how hard it is to live or eat healthy while living in poverty. When people are trying to make ends meet, food choices are often sacrificed so they can pay their bills.
What’s in a food bank hamper?
Every food bank is different. Here is an example of a food bank hamper.
Although food banks are important to solve immediate hunger; however, it is not the solution to poverty or food security. Ensure people have adequate income to buy nutritious food is a key step in improving food security.
What do we hope to accomplish?
- Advocate for a $100 Healthy Food Supplement for all Ontarians living on social assistance
- Advocate for OW and ODSP rates that reflect the real cost of living and are indexed annually to reflect inflation
- Educate the public to donate healthier alternatives to their local food banks
What can you do to help?
Resources:
Media:
|
