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BHM bruary 17, aaa 3 PLAN IN THE WORKS #10 HELP HALTON 2 FAMILIES WHO USE 2 FOOD BANKS § MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com F Steps are being taken to transform Halton's food se- curity infrastructure, with the vision including a cen- food acquisition and distribution centre that will support food banks to help further the cause. The resolution directs staff to expedite its work with the Community Safety and Well-Being Food Security Action Table to develop a plan that will improve food tion in Halton, with a report on the plan due back at council in April. The aim is to "provide nutritionally balanced and culturally appropriate food baskets to Halton's resi- dents experiencing food in- pend on food banks cannot get a balanced, nutritional and culturally appropriate food basket fom felt local ion ceeate ihe, ane meeting, noting he estimates at least 3,000 families across Halton security. "They have to visit several (food banks) to find what they need. Often, they can't find all that they need." But not all food banks in Halton agree with this sen- timent. Ina statement to Metro- land Media, Oakville's Fare Jennifer Russell said her team's mission to provide nutritious food to their cli- ents has continued to be ac- ugh- "Due to the generosity of private citizens, schools, churches and local busi- nesses, we have been fortu- nate enough to be able to meet the needs of over 500 families on a monthly ba- sis," wrote Russell, noting this includes menu items such as meat (including Ha- "THERE'S A DREAM TO END FOOD INSECURITY Graham Paine Metroland A proposed Halton food acquisition and distribution centre would support all food banks across the region. and fresh produce pur- chased with cash donations, along with non-perishables donated through food drives. "We have also supported other Halton food banks by sharing o1 with them. We are very proud of our volunteers who have heavier — wor- kloads and kept the food operating through these difficult times, as well as our donors who have come through for us when During the council meet- ing, Burton detailed six problems that are said to be preventing at least some Halton food banks from meeting the need for appro- priate food security sup- port: supply gaps, storage gaps, nutrition gaps, grow- ing cultural gaps, funding gaps, and problems with agency co- ores surton provided council colleagues with ae tails of a proposal from the Burlington Food Bank, Kerr Street Mission and others that aims to address these issues with a centralized Halton food acquisition and distribution centre, which would support food banks and other food relief anizations across the four loc local municipalities. The facility would co-or- dinate the collection, sort ing, storage, refrigeratio and distribution of non-} per. ishable products, supple- mented by purchased fresh and frozen fruit, vegetables and proteins. food insecurity and provide food baskets from food banks who know their indi- vidual clients and can cater to each family's specific needs from anutrition anda cultural perspective," said Burton. The motion notes that the proposal from the food bi “clearly demon- strates the need and the means to solve the prob- Jem," and that the munici- pality of Halton is "uniquely qualified" to provide the necessary support and col- laboration to translate their vision into a re: Support for the ‘concept was voiced by others und the council table, like Uke Burlington Mayor Mar- 1e Meed Ward, who sec- onded the motion. “Food security is not something one municipali- ty can solve on its own, or one food bank or agency," she said. "This is a true re- flection of the spirit of part- nership that we have throughout our region on acquisition and distribu- Share Food Bank president _lal meat), fish, cheese, eggs | we need them. “There's a dream to end _ this very important issue." Help us, help you. Georgetown Your support ensures our Hospital theifp.ca staff and physicians are prepared to provide you with the best care possible. DONATE TODA GeorgetownHospitalFoundation.ca 905 - 873 - 4599 Foundation Living. Giving. Caring.