Poverty is unique, complex and interconnected with other issues, says Bonnie Dart
Food insecurity doesn’t end when holiday food drives do.
The Muskoka Community Foundation recently released its second Vital Signs Report, which contains statistics about local issues in Muskoka like food, housing, mental health, inclusion, the environment and economy.
A big focus on this year’s report was the impact of COVID-19 on people’s well-being and how groups and organizations have had to pivot to address greater needs for support.
The report’s section on food insecurity notes: “The combined impacts of low incomes and the rising cost of living have contributed to an increased demand on food banks.”
In Gravenhurst in 2020, the Salvation Army Food Bank served 389 households and distributed 59,635 pounds of food.
Gravenhurst Against Poverty’s food program, which consists of Tuesday meal pickups and Thursday meal deliveries, fed 236 families, 94 seniors and 211 children in the 2020/2021 fiscal year.
Statistics on the rising cost of food in Muskoka, as well as Gravenhurst Against Poverty’s increased demands for food services. — Muskoka Community Foundation photo
A growing demand for food services in Muskoka coincides with growing challenges for organizations due to COVID-19 protocols and limited fundraising opportunities. Food prices have also increased during this time.
Bonnie Dart, chair of Gravenhurst Against Poverty, said the organization has just under 200 volunteers, with 50 volunteers needed on Thursdays alone.
Since COVID-19, the Red Cross has been providing 500 frozen meals weekly to the organization. Food is also rescued from Sobeys, Giant Tiger and Terry’s Independent Grocer, reducing food waste while fighting food insecurity.
Volunteers also purchase local fresh produce, which can cost more than $400 a week, said food program lead Linda Harrison. The Gravenhurst Against Poverty gardens program helps reduce these costs in the warmer months.
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What stood out to her was how those affected by poverty are often accused of “cheating the system,” when in reality the system does not offer them enough resources to meet their essential needs.
“If someone says they have a need, they have a need. It’s trying to maintain their dignity and not dehumanize them,” she said.
Misconceptions and judgment only create additional barriers to people who require assistance.
“Poverty is not an individual failure,” said Dart. “No one chooses poverty, and yet there are some people that dismiss it as people haven’t worked hard enough or they haven’t done what they should do, when the system is actually what’s failing them.”
Looking at the Vital Signs report, Dart recalls a sentiment she once heard that has always struck her: the concept of Muskoka as “poverty with a view.”
“It’s that hidden part of poverty that people don’t see. They look at all the beauty, the natural beauty of Muskoka, and it’s so easy to be not aware of just the depth of poverty and the various levels of it, the complexity of it,” she said.
But the many volunteers and supporters of Gravenhurst Against Poverty are shedding a light on it. The organization’s annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, to be held Feb. 26, was already nearly halfway toward its goal of $75,000 at publication time.
“We see this kind of support throughout the year,” said Harrison. “I’m just amazed and delighted with the support the food program gets.”
No matter what 2022 will bring, the organization is optimistic that the community’s needs will be met.
“We know the community will support us. We know that if they know people are in need of food and it’s not available, that they’ll step up, and it’s such a great feeling,” said Dart.
Sarah Law – Gravenhurst Banner – Monday, January 10, 2022