When we eradicate poverty, we eradicate food insecurity
Prior to the pandemic, the rate of poverty in Alberta was slowly declining. However, the ever-growing demand for the I Can for Kids (iCAN) grocery gift card program doesn’t mirror this downward trend in the least. We continually receive requests for greater support from the agency partners who target our program to food-insecure families. In fact, we tripled our fundraising goal this year to enable us to expand our services to the frontline agencies who joined our wait list.
A current report on childhood poverty in Alberta shows that nearly 20% of kids live in a home that lacks the finances to make ends meet. This statistic corresponds with the 1 in 5 children across the province who live in food-insecure households. An analysis of poverty in Calgary shows that 15% of the population lives below or just above the poverty line. The most impoverished groups in our city directly reflect the types of families who access our grocery gift card program:
single parents
immigrants and refugees
visible minorities
Indigenous households
low-wage workers
intermittently employed and under-employed parents
Fortunately, research shows that we can reduce food insecurity through responses that target income. This is why iCAN transitioned away from food provision to implement grocery gift cards as our sole vehicle for support. We knew this change would be a more effective way to address economic barriers and ease the negative impact of escalating inflation.
Our research with the University of Calgary demonstrates how our new model helps reduce financial distress, particularly when a household must choose whether to pay rent or buy groceries. We’d like to share a few client stories that highlight the benefit of focusing on an income-based response to alleviate food insecurity:
A single mother shared how: "This past year has been merciless for many people and extremely hard financially. With the cost of food increasing significantly, I would not have made it through some months without the help of I Can for Kids."
A young couple with low-wage jobs notified us that: "The grocery gift cards helped our family get through the year, which was financially hard for us. Each card went to snacks for our toddler and food for our baby. Thank you so much."
A food-insecure student in grade four sent us a note to say: "Thank you for helping families who are struggling right now. Without the food, I will not be healthy.”
In a time of such great economic uncertainty, you can help support low-income and food-insecure families to buy their kids the healthy foods they need and enjoy.
To join iCAN’s expanding list of sponsors and champions, check out the different ways you can get involved or donate.
To learn more about I Can for Kids and their unique approach to childhood food insecurity, visit www.icanforkids.ca
About Donald Barker
Donald has worked as a registered dietitian for more than 25 years. He also has a professional background in communications and has long advocated for populations who face adverse, unjust, or systemic barriers that lead to higher rates of poor social, mental, emotional, and physical health outcomes. Donald currently volunteers as an Advisor with iCAN to support our transition towards evidence-based approaches that help improve the well-being of children in Calgary who live in low-income and food-insecure households. You can learn more about Donald at www.synthesist.pro