Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Food Security Action Group Meeting Highlights

The Food Security Action Group of the Poverty Task Force meets on the 1st Friday of the month. Here are highlights from the most recent meeting. Please contact Robin Cork, food@unitedwaybg.com to join the group.

The National School Food Program is rolling out across the country as agreements are made between federal and provincial governments. Details for Ontario are not yet available as the agreement has not been signed. We will be sure to make an announcement when details are available.

Hayley Hundt from our local Grey Bruce Ontario Student Nutrition Program (ONSP) let us know that there are 61 schools in our region that would benefit from the program. She can be contacted directly to answer any questions you may have at hayley.hundt@von.ca. We are hopeful that the program will be in addition to the provincial supports in place and we will not see a reduction in supports in Ontario. Ontario Student Nutrition Program Impact Report 2023-2024 (attached).

Ontario Coalition for Healthy School Food: Over the past few weeks we’ve had meetings with policy staff in the Ministry Finance, the Premier’s office, and the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services MCCSS to present our Ontario school food proposal (attached) which recommends that the Ontario government accept federal funding and increase its provincial investment to stabilize and grow school food programs in Ontario. Here’s what we’ve learned:

  • The Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS) is actively working on a deal with the federal government to receive national school food funds, and we should be hearing more about it in the coming weeks.
  • MCCSS is leading the negotiations with the federal government.
  • MCCSS confirmed that federal funding will support existing student nutrition programs (SNP) and funds will flow as they do now to Lead Agencies through MCCSS.
  • They’re still looking at making policy changes recommended through the SNP review, but for now they are concentrating on getting funds out the door.

We’ve also reached out to some of our Chapter members and supporters to ask for help setting up meetings with some Ontario MPPs to educate them about school food and the opportunity to leverage federal funding to further enhance the provincial program. Thanks to everyone who has helped so far – we have ~20 meeting requests to MPPs sent out already, and further outreach is in the works.

Newfoundland and Labrador are the first to reach an agreement with the federal government through the new National School Food Program. This initial investment of approximately $9.1 million over three years will help more kids get access to school food.  In the coming weeks, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia are expected to follow suit. 

Many of our local Food Banks are providing school snacks for clients.

OSHaRE Lunch Program: in 2023, we shared 9,667 school lunches with children in local schools. To date in 2024, they have shared over 14,000 school lunches.  School lunches are picked up by local schools or provided to families referred to OSHaRE through local agencies.

Feed Ontario – Ontarians are Drowning Amid Surging Affordability Crisis: released a new report.

  • 1,001,150 unique individuals visited a food bank between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, an increase of 25% over 2022-2023.
  • Food banks were visited 7,689,580 times between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, and increase of 31% over 2022-2023, and 134% over 2019-2020.
  • 2023-2024 is the eighth consecutive year food bank use has risen in the province.

United Way of Bruce Grey Backpack Programs: As of Friday, August 30th, 2,664 students have received fully stocked backpacks, thanks to the incredible support from the Grey Bruce community. That’s 195 more than last year.

United Way of Bruce Grey Community Fund Grants 2025: call for applicantions from registered non-profits/charities in 3 categories –

§  From poverty to possibility –We are looking for initiatives that meet people’s basic needs for food, shelter and safety; as well as those that ensure individuals have opportunities to seek stable and sufficient employment, and make education, training and learning opportunities affordable and accessible for all.

§  Healthy people, strong communities –We are looking for initiatives that reduce barriers and isolation for those with addictions and mental-health issues through counselling, referrals, rehabilitation and other services. As well, services that support seniors and individuals with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities.

§  All that kids can be – We are looking for organizations that are supporting the healthy growth and development of young people. This means actively targeting the source of their challenges and working to address systemic issues.

To apply and gather more details please visit: https://unitedwayofbrucegrey.com/about-us/community-impact-grants/ Please follow the links on the website to do the applications. Do NOT use the PDFs to fill out the applications. Deadline is Friday, December 13th, 2024.

Grey Bruce Good Food Box: the full season is up and running with all locations.

Stay well, Robin

Robin Cork, Food Security Coordinator, United Way of Bruce Grey

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Advocacy, Community Updates, Income Security

Poverty Task Force/United Way Community Update # 211

There has been a lot of work happening over the Summer of 2024. And while we may think that we are constantly “holding the line” or “trying to keep people from dying”, the work has not gone unnoticed. We want to recognize all our partners who are on the frontlines of saving lives, feeding the hungry and keeping people housed.

The deepening homelessness and opioid crisis has been on every agenda and will continue to be so as rates of poverty and homelessness increases. We need leadership from all sectors and all levels of government to work together with all social sectors to address the issues.

MUNICIPAL ENGAGEMENT 

INCOME SECURITY UPDATES

Four key takeaways:

  • Deep inadequacy: In 2023, welfare incomes remained deeply inadequate. 55 out of 56 (98%) of households were in poverty, with 40 of them (71%) living in deep poverty.
  • Federal contribution: Despite the need, the federal government’s support for households receiving social assistance remained minimal.
  • Cost-of-living impact: The expiration of temporary cost-of-living-related payments in 2023 negatively affected households.
  • Growing gap: Income support investments varied across jurisdictions. Some made improvements, while others lagged.

FOOD SECURITY UPDATES

  • Food insecurity continues to grow in our region. Since January 2020 to the end of August 2024, Grey Bruce community meal programs have reported over 800,000 meals were distributed. 115,000 meals were distributed in 2023.  All Dashboards | Food Bruce Grey
  • OSHaRE Community Meal Program:  17,000 meals were distributed in the month of July 2024 and 17,500 meals in August 2024 compared to 20,000 meals distributed over the whole year in 2020. In 2024, OSHaRE  shared 146,625 meals with the community. 
  • Family Assist Market (FAM): is held bi-weekly at OSHaRE/Owen Sound. It has grown from 4 families to 80 families since its startup in June 2024. The FAM provides access to community support services with multiple agencies as well as food hampers (Good Food Box/The Salvation Army) and large family size meals from OSHaRE. 
  • Grey Bruce Good Food Box: has released a new flyer for the Fall season. Hanover GFB has a new host organization at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Chatsworth GFB is amalgamating with Owen Sound GFB. Orders and pickup can be made through Owen Sound GFB at OSHARE. Good Food Box – United Way of Bruce Grey
  • Feed Ontario: has released 2024 Hunger Report saw a 25% increase in food bank visits over last year.   https://feedontario.ca/news/ontarians-are-drowning-amid-surging-affordability-crisis/  Feed Ontario has the latest food bank usage data for each municipality at: Hunger in my Riding – Feed Ontario
  • National School Food Policy: describes the long-term vision for school food programs in Canada, as well as the guiding principles and objectives that will help make this vision a reality. It lays the groundwork for a future where all children can have access to nutritious school meals.   Newfoundland and Labrador has become the first province in Canada to sign on to the federal government’s school food program.  4624-National_School_Food_Policy-E.pdf (canada.ca)

HOUSING SECURITY UPDATES

Thanks to Pam Hanington for pulling together these latest Housing Reports. 

Stay well, Jill

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Summer Resources – Poverty Task Force/United Way Community Update # 210

Dear Colleagues, 

Summer heat has exploded, and school will soon be out for the summer.   We have pulled together some resources for individuals and families. 

COOLING STATIONS

Heat Warning: Environment & Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning for southern Ontario, including Grey-Bruce.

Cooling Stations are open in Grey County and Bruce County. Contact 211 for the latest listing in your community. 

Grey Bruce Public Health has Extreme Heat resources on their website.

Safe N Sound: has created a list of needs for their center to keep people cool and prevent heat stroke. They are a designated cooling station.  Other locations may also need similar items to help keep people cool.

FOOD SUPPORTS 

Grey Bruce Good Food Box: locations will be running through the summer/year-round – Ayton, Chesley, Kincardine/Ripley/Tiverton, Lucknow, Markdale, Owen Sound, Port Elgin, and Sauble Beach. https://unitedwayofbrucegrey.com/good-food-box/

Family Assistance Market: OSHaRE is hosting a bi-weekly drop-in market for families. Food supports will be provided from OSHaRE, The Salvation Army OS and the Good Food Box to provide more than daily food, but large amounts for families to get through the week.  

Summer Lunches for Children and Youth: there is a variety of summer lunches for children and youth in communities across Grey Bruce. A few but not all are listed on 211 but many are posted on Facebook and shared out in their local community.  Please let 211 know about your summer food programs!  

Grey Bruce Food Banks and Community Meal Programs: will be open throughout the summer and most are listed on 211.   

Free Food Listing for Owen Sound: the United Way has compiled a list of free food services in Owen Sound on 211.

SUMMER ACTIVITY SUPPORTS

Bruce County – Child Activity Assistance Program (CAAP): is a fund available to assist families with the cost of activities. Includes funding for school trips, school nutrition programs, extra-curricular activities, arts and cultural programs, Scouts/Girl Guides, and many more. Bruce County families with a gross income of less than $49,466 can access this program for their dependent children under the age of 18, and receive up to $500 per child, per year. There is a fillable application form at https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/services/human-services/child-activity-assistance-program or call 1-800-265-3022 for more information.

Grey County – Social Initiatives Funding (Recreation Subsidy): is administered by the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. It can be used for sports, art, music or drama programs, swimming lessons, camps, and fitness memberships. Activities do not have to be done with the YMCA. Families with incomes of less than $70,000 having children under the age of 18 living with them on a regular basis can apply. There is a scale for how much per child per calendar year the family can receive. See the link for more information and application: . You can also call the YMCA at 519-376-0484 ext. 227 or email socialinitiatives@osgb.ymca.ca.

Municipal Recreation Funds: some municipalities offer support. Call 211 or visit Bruce Grey Community Info to find out if your municipality has a fund.

JumpStart: Canadian Tire has individual child grants and special initiatives for girls. Online applications are here:  https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/individual-child-grants 

Grey Transit Route 5 offers summer service to Sauble Beach. The route runs several times daily between Owen Sound, Wiarton, and Sauble Beach – including long weekends! All GTR routes are FREE on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. Find more info and book rides at https://www.grey.ca/grey-transit-route

Girls Empowerment Summer Camp: Women’s House is offering this camp for girls aged 11-16, August 19th-22nd, Durham.  For more details and registration go to: https://www.facebook.com/WomensHouseBG

Stay cool,  Jill 

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Poverty Task Force/United Way Community Update #208

Dear Colleagues,

May 5th is Red Dress Day. May 5th honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada by encouraging learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people.  Home Page | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca)

Starting in 2016, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls held 15 community hearings and spoke with 2,386 people. A final report was released in June 2019 which includes 231 Calls for Justice that “represent important ways to end the genocide and to transform systemic and societal values that have worked to maintain colonial violence”. Final Report | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca)

  • Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence. Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3% of the population of Canada.
  • Indigenous women are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner. A little more than 13% of Indigenous people experience violence from their current or ex-partner, a proportion twice as high as non-Indigenous people (5.7%).
  • Indigenous women are more likely to experience physical and sexual assault than non-Indigenous women.56% of Indigenous women have suffered physical assault, and 46% have experienced sexual assault. By comparison, about one-third of non-Indigenous women have suffered these assaults in their lifetimes.

The Inquiry also released an engagement guide, Their voices will guide us, which will “introduce the value of Indigenous women’s and girls’ lives into the classroom and into the minds and hearts of young people. It will prepare educators to use a decolonizing pedagogy and a trauma-informed approach in their teaching.” Publications | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca)

  • Gimikwendaanin: honour and remember community fire at Gichi-Name-Wikwedong Reconciliation Garden, May 5th, 11am-1pm.

May is also Sexual Violence Prevention Month: throughout May, various initiatives are undertaken to raise awareness about sexual violence and promote prevention efforts. Join together in support of survivors, community service providers and advocates across the province to raise awareness about the horrific crime of sexual assault and all forms of gender-based violence.  

HOUSING

  • Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services: has launched a series of community engagements with urban Indigenous community members about housing priorities and how they can develop housing that meets communities’ needs. For more info email price@oahssc.ca
  • National Encampments Response Plan: the federal government allocated $250M to address encampments in their 2024 Budget. The Federal Housing Advocate’s call for a National Encampments Response Plan. Learn more about what this plan should look like directly from lived experts & the Advocate: https://loom.ly/32jzeGQ

FOOD SECURITY

INCOME SECURITY 

  • City of Owen Sound Council: approved a motion to support an increase to OW and ODSP, recognizing the cost of living and need to increase rates. https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/Players/ISIStandAlonePlayer.aspx?Id=8fd4c38d-0d39-43e9-ac9a-562c572d9cef
  • Huron Perth CVITP Program: The tax clinics in Huron County and Grand Bend helped file more than 1,000 returns in 2022, which resulted in $1.7 million in benefits and refunds. For the 2023 term, Crane said clinic organizers don’t have a target goal but hope they’ll be able to at least file the same amount of returns.Local clinics ready to help with income taxes: United Way Perth Huron | The Stratford Beacon Herald
  • Grey Bruce CVITP Network: the PTF’s Income & Employment Security Action Group shall be holding an annual gathering on May 25th, 10am-2pm at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.  GB CVITP organizations shall join the Action Group to appreciate the work of volunteers and debrief about this year’s program. GB CVITP helped 3,050 individuals to file 3,550 returns in 2022, across 3 Counties, which is estimated in $9 million in benefits and refunds.   Look out for a poster and registration coming out for this event. 
  • Seniors and poverty: seniors have some of the lowest poverty rates in the country relative to Canada’s official poverty line. Seniors’ poverty rates are consistently lower than the national poverty rate. Yet, many seniors across the country are struggling. Reports find that reality doesn’t match the statistics. Seniors’ poverty isn’t properly measured (irpp.org) and A fine line: Finding the right seniors’ poverty measure in Canada – Maytree
  • Longevity literacy: Longevity literacy is an understanding of how long people tend to live upon reaching retirement age. It is particularly important since retirement income security requires planning, saving, and preparing for a period that is uncertain in length. A recent US study found:
  • Only 12% of U.S. adults have strong longevity literacy—i.e., they demonstrate an understanding of how long 65-year-olds live on average, as well as the likelihood of living to an advanced age versus the likelihood of dying relatively early.
  • 31% have weak longevity literacy—i.e., they demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of the distribution of life expectancy at age 65. This is a knowledge gap that can keep them from planning and preparing adequately for retirement. TIAA_GFLEC_Report_PFinLongevity_August2023_02.indd

TRANSPORTATION 

  • Transportation Funding: the Ontario government announced transit a $1,052,544 investment from the 2023-24 Gas Tax program. The funding will support ongoing services of the Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit Corporation (SMART) on behalf of the Municipalities of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Huron-Kinloss, Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Southgate and West Grey; Meaford Moves+ accessible transit and the City of Owen Sound transit. 
  • Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce: is carrying out a transportation survey to determine needs of employees and employers in the area. Business Transportation Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Cheers, Jill