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Survey shows demand for food is up 75 per cent continued from p.10 dialogue and to better understand opportunities for improvement." "Collaboration has the power to not only bring people together, but bring together different perspectives, experiences, expertise and can act as a mechanism for systematic change," said Zabudsky. Hajdu said Monday's forum was "just the beginning," in a process that requires innovation, commitment, creativity and candid conversations. "There is an increased need for collaboration and we know that we're interdependent. Together, we can achieve so much more than we can individually," said Hajdu. Results of Food for Life's 2015 survey indicated the commitment to local hunger-relief programs is "tremendous," Hajdu said, noting there are more than 100 food distribution agencies and/or initiatives in Halton (36 in Oakville). "Based on the survey that was conducted in November (2015), 75 per cent of the agencies indicated the demand for food has increased by 75 per cent. We also know the amount of food has increased slightly," said Hajdu. "Supply and demand needs to be matched a little bit better. It's definitely an area of opportunity." Transportation, mobility limitations, program hours of operation and stigma are some of the 17 | Thursday, March 24, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Based on the survey that was conducted in November (2015), 75 per cent of the agencies indicated the demand for food has increased by 75 per cent. We also know the amount of food has increased slightly. Food For Life executive director Brenda Hajdu top barriers to accessing food, she noted. "The needs are complicated, but we need to come up with simple, meaningful, innovative and impactful solutions to address some of these," said Hajdu. Sarchuk said many Halton residents are struggling with the rising costs of nutritious food. "By helping those who cannot afford a nutritious diet, the organizations in the room that you represent deliver an essential service to our community," said Sarchuk. "Through conversation, collaboration, innovation and mobilization, we can and will overcome the challenges we face." In 2015, the Region supported Feeding Halton, Food for Life, Food4Kids HamiltonHalton and other groups through its Community Investment Fund. Sarchuk said the regional government will invest an additional $200,000 in "dedicated food security" later this year through a new initiative of the investment fund. "Together, we can achieve our shared goal of ensuring everyone has access to the food that helps them live a healthy life in Halton," said Sarchuk. "We have a lot of valuable and interesting work to undertake." Following the presentations, community group representatives and individuals with food challenges took part in discussions to find solutions to current barriers. Group facilitators came forward afterwards to present their findings, which included suggestions on income, funding, transportation, distribution, policy development, infrastructure and increasing collaboration and food diversity, among others. "There's a real willingness to collaborate and share among attendees. Bringing food to people instead of people coming to food is one of the solutions," said Sarah Rae, Food for Life director. A follow-up working group meeting was announced for early April, but an exact day and location is yet to be determined. # DIAMOND DIAMOND 1 in Patios & Driveways! · stamped concrete · interlocking · exposed aggregate · flagstone J.M.C Concrete Interlocking LTD · french cUrbs · retaining walls · garage floors · free estimates like Us on 905-878-8595 Ask for John www.jmcconcrete.ca years in Oakville 9 Now offeriNg spriNg passs for uNlimited classes from april 01 uNtil JuNe 30 first class is frEE @ Glen Abbey United Church, 1469 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville BriNG tHiS AD GEt $10 Off SpriNG pASS, OffEr ExpirES 3/26 CLASS SCHEDULE THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY BEGiNNEr 7:00 - 8:00 pm ZUMBA tONiNG 8:05-9:05 pm ZUMBA 9:15 - 10:15 am ZUMBA 5:30 - 6:30 pm ZUMBA 9:15 - 10:15 am ZUMBA 5:30 - 6:30 pm ZUMBA tONiNG 9:15 - 10:15 am ZUMBA 7:00 - 8:00 pm BEGiNNEr 7:00 - 8:00 pm ZUMBA tONiNG 8:05 - 9:05 pm ZUMBA 11 :30 am - 12:30 pm PRICE LIST 5 Class 10 Class 20 Class 30 Class $50 $90 $160 $210 Monthly pass first Class Drop in Spring Season pass $75 FREE $12 $190 (unlimited classes April 01 until June 30') Prices includes HST · Accepted payments: cash, check or online via PayPal · Please make CHEQUES PAYABLE TO ZUMBA FITNESS CANADA Please check website for updates.