14 food banks across Canada have united to help those in need this April during Ramadan in a campaign called “Give 30”
It is meant to help those in need during Ramadan find food for when the fasting periods are over.
The donations are meant to help anyone in need. In fact, the head of marketing for North York Harvest food bank says for privacy reasons, they don’t ask people about their religion.
“Every year we do a survey,” said Henry Chiu, “a voluntary survey asking a certain type of questions. We also know that – not necessarily people of Muslim faith – in terms of the Middle Eastern segment of our client, it’s a huge percentage. Especially in certain areas, because we’re a vast network.”
According to Chiu, North York Harvest serves a substantially large number of people, well into the ’10s of thousands. Chiu says one-third of their clients are children.
“On average every month,” said Chiu “We serve about there about 20,000 … over 20,000 visits.
Unfortunately, food banks are being utilized more often, due to a variety of factors, including the pandemic.
“The sad truth is,” Said Chiu, “more and more people are relying on food banks to provide emergency food, especially since the beginning of the pandemic.”
Chiu hopes that through North York Harvest Foodbanks part, there can be further awareness raised on the issues surrounding hunger, poverty and how these issues come about.
“Part of our work as food bankers,” Said Chiu “We always try to do more than just provide emergency food. On education, on advocacy and making sure elected officials are really aware of some of the complex issues contributing to food insecurity.”
With the work being done, perhaps this will get the attention of local politicians who are also looking to help.
“Right to food is a basic right,” said Chiu.
Food banks in New York City and Australia are also taking part in the Give 30 campaign.