Vancouver, BC – September 17th, 2020
Today, the Honourable Hedy Fry, MP for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced $161,350 to improve food delivery directly to Vancouver Centre residents facing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There are too many seniors and low-income families in my riding who have been unable to afford regular, nutritious food during this pandemic,” said Dr. Fry. “Access to healthy food will improve health and resilience against COVID-19.”
The funds were distributed among YWCA Metro Vancouver, Gordon Neighbourhood House, and Christ Church Cathedral.
Gordon Neighbourhood House cooks and delivers healthy, homegrown meals to low-income, isolated seniors and single-parent households. “Gordon Neighbourhood House is delighted to be named as a recipient of this funding. It allows us to provide consistent meals and hampers to the community members who need it most,” said Executive Director, Siobhan Powlowski. “We can now deliver over 250 meals each week—double the number of fresh, home-cooked and nutrient-dense meals to seniors, people with disabilities and single parent households in the West End.”
The YWCA is enhancing existing food programs, including their Family Breakfast and Drop-In Hot Lunch at Crabtree Corner, to support up to 200 low-income women and their families a day.
Food banks and other local food organizations across Canada are facing an increased demand for services, and pressure from shortages in donations and volunteers. Now more than ever, they need continued support to offer the crucial services Canadians rely upon to feel safe and healthy.
This funding is part of the $100 million Emergency Fund for food security announced by Prime Minister Trudeau in April.
National food security organizations, such as Community Food Centres Canada and the Breakfast Club of Canada, and over 1,800 food banks and local food organizations, will be able to serve over 2 million Canadians with 6 million meals.
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Media contact:
Julia Al-Kuwatli
604-999-0244
