On May 8, Canadians are being asked to give up breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day.
"We wanted a way for anyone and everyone to feel connected to our cause and to realize that their simple actions can really change lives for those in need," says Bill Hall executive director of the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre. "We encourage everyone - students, parents, families and the business community - to join us May 6-10 and Give it Up for Hunger".
For Hunger Awareness Week, Canadians are asked to "Give it Up for Hunger" to better understand the challenges of people living with hunger.
Hunger is a complex issue with many root causes and in a country as prosperous as Canada; it's shocking to see so many struggle to get enough food. Close to 900,000 individuals turn to food banks for support each month in Canada, and of those, 38 per cent are children and youth. In the Battlefords, just over 1,600 people each month turn to the Food Bank and of those, over 50 per cent are children and youth.
The problem of hunger is a persistent one, with food banks providing comparable levels of food and other assistance for the better part of a decade.
Food Banks Canada, along with its provincial member, Food Banks of Saskatchewan and food banks across the country, including the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre are asking all Canadians to mark Hunger Awareness Week and to Give It Up for Hunger, to make a positive impact on the issue of hunger across the country.
What does giving it up really mean? It's as easy as three simple steps:
Give It Up - Close to 900,000 people have relied on food banks this past month. On May 8, Canadians are asked to understand what it's like to have food out of reach by challenging them to give up breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day.
Give a Shout - Share your experience. Go online and show your support via Facebook, Twitter or blogging.
Give It Out - Donate food, funds to our local food bank, or attend the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre annual barbecue on Tuesday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the parking lot of CJNB/Q98. Hot dogs are $4 and hamburgers are $5 with a drink and treat. (Save $1 by bringing a non-perishable food item.)
Looking for more ways to get involved during Hunger Awareness Week? Contact the Battlefords District Food Bank at 306-937-5505 or visit www.hungerawarenessweek.ca for ideas.
