Tackling Food Insecurity in Expensive Cities: A Guide by Food Stash Foundation

In the hustle and bustle of expensive cities, it's easy to overlook a growing crisis that affects far too many residents: food insecurity. Did you know that in these bustling urban landscapes, where the cost of living is soaring, a significant number of individuals struggle to access nutritious and affordable food? Let's delve into the seriousness of food insecurity in expensive cities, backed by data, and explore how each one of us can play a role in addressing this issue.

The Alarming Reality of Food Insecurity:

Statistics Snapshot

Urban Challenges

  • An average one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver can cost someone $2600 a month ($31k a year)

  • While our minimum wage is only $16.75 an hour ($33k a year)  

  • With this high cost of living for basic necessities like rent, people are forced to make cuts where they can - opting for fast food instead of fresh

Tips and Tricks to Tackle Food Insecurity:

Smart Grocery Shopping:

  • Shopping the deals! Using apps like Flipp or Too Good To Go so you know where to find the best deals. 

Community Resources:

  • Stopping by a Community Fridge. Open to everyone to take what they need and leave what they can.

Cooking on a Budget:

  • Turn your vegetable scraps into soup broth! Save a bag in your freezer and add things like onion peels, kale stems or garlic skins. Then simply add water and simmer on low until broth is reduced and flavourful. See full instructions here!

Educational Programs:

  • Attend events that are tailored to food preservation. Canning, fermentation or jam-making are all great ways to give your produce a longer shelf life.

Advocacy and Awareness: To make systemic change we need to advocate for policy change that addresses the root cause of food insecurity: low income. 

  • Getting involved in food justice initiatives like the Vancouver Food Justice Coalition or when heading to the polls researching to see if any candidates mention food security

Food Stash Foundation's Impact:

Food Stash Foundation is at the forefront of addressing food insecurity, especially in expensive cities. Through our delivery program, we deliver a remarkable 10,000+ pounds of food right to people’s doors each month.

  • 65% of our members face a disability or chronic health condition

  • While 87% are in low-income situations

  • Before receiving this food 79% stated they sometimes or oftentimes did not have enough money for food. This dropped to 30.5% after receiving the rescued food box.

As we navigate the complexities of expensive city living, let's not forget those who face the daily struggle of food insecurity. Food Stash Foundation invites you to be part of the solution.

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