September 19 – 23, 2016
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Hunger Awareness Week
Fact Sheet
When: September 19 – 23, 2016
Objective: To engage communities and individuals across Canada to raise awareness of the issue of hunger in Canada and the role of food banks.
852,137 Canadians walked through the front door of a food bank each month, representing a 26 % increase since 2008
78,693 people each month access a food bank for the first time
36 % of those turning to food banks are children and youth
History: Since 2006, food banks across the country have raised awareness about the solvable problem of hunger in Canada through Hunger Awareness Day which has evolved to Hunger Awareness Week. Food banks across the country hold events, engage with media and government officials to tell the story of the work they do, and the stories of Canadians assisted by food banks.
Theme: The theme of Hunger Awareness Week 2016 is Draw the Line on Hunger. Canadians are being invited to show their support, their concerns and their solutions for hunger in Canada. Visit hungerawarenessweek.ca and join the conversation by creating your own image.
Call to Action: Participate socially
Through a number of resources and tools, food banks/provincial associations run various community and media events and actively promote on social media activity on Facebook and Twitter, Canadians will be encouraged to:
ü Contribute to the conversation of Draw the Line on Hunger, by sharing your images, words and stories
ü Participate in local events to learn more about hunger in Canada
ü Support food bank organizations by donating food, funds or time.
Participate in your community
Government Call to Action
This year during Hunger Awareness Week, food banks from across the country are calling on the federal government to develop and implement a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy as soon as possible.
We urge the federal government (in collaboration with provincial and municipal governments) to immediately develop and implement a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy that is comprehensive, based in legislation and adequately funded.
Hunger Awareness Week Supporters:
Thank you to our National Hunger Champion: Farm Credit Canada
HungerAwarenessWeek.ca 2016