in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, Ja nu ar y 27 ,2 02 2 | 18 Steps are being taken to transform Halton's food se- curity infrastructure, with the vision that includes a centralized food acquisi- tion and distribution cen- tre that will support food banks across the region. Regional council recent- ly passed a motion from Oakville Mayor Rob Bur- ton to help further the cause. The resolution di- rects staff to expedite its work with the Community Safety and Well-Being Food Security Action Table to develop a plan that will im- prove food acquisition and distribution 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- security," notes the motion. "The families who de- pend on food banks cannot get a balanced, nutritional and culturally appropriate food basket from their local food bank," said Burton during the council meet- ing, noting he estimates at least 3,000 families across Halton are struggling with food insecurity. "They have to visit several (food banks) to find what they need. Of- ten, they can't find all that they need." But not all food banks in Halton agree with this sen- timent. In a statement to Metro- land Media, Oakville's Fare Share Food Bank president Jennifer Russell said her team's mission to provide nutritious food to their cli- ents has continued to be ac- complished, even through- out the COVID-19 crisis. "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 Halal meat), fish, cheese, eggs and fresh produce purchased with cash dona- tions, along with non-per- ishables donated through food drives. "We have also supported other Halton food banks by sharing our surplus with them. We are very proud of our volunteers who have managed heavier wor- kloads and kept the food bank operating through these difficult times, as well as our donors who have come through for us when we need them." During the council meeting, Burton detailed six problems that are said to be preventing at least some Halton food banks from meeting the need for appropriate food security support: supply gaps, stor- age gaps, nutrition gaps, growing cultural gaps, funding gaps, and prob- lems with agency co-ordi- nation. Burton provided his council colleagues with de- tails of a proposal from the Burlington Food Bank, Kerr Street Mission and others that aims to address these issues with a central- ized Halton food acquisi- tion and distribution cen- tre, which would support all food banks and other food relief organizations across the four local mu- nicipalities. The facility would co-or- dinate the collection, sort- ing, storage, refrigeration and distribution of non- perishable products, sup- plemented by purchased fresh and frozen fruit, veg- etables and proteins. "There's a dream to end 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 a nutrition and a cultural perspective," said Burton. The motion notes that the proposal from the food banks "clearly demon- strates the need and the means to solve the prob- lem," and that the munici- pality of Halton is "unique- ly qualified" to provide the necessary support and col- laboration to translate their vision into a reality. Support for the concept was voiced by others around the council table, like Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who seconded 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 this very important issue." 'THERE'S A DREAM TO END FOOD INSECURITY' A proposed Halton food acquisition and distribution centre would support all food banks across the region. Graham Paine/Metroland MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com NEWS PLAN IN THE WORKS TO HELP HALTON FAMILIES WHO USE FOOD BANKS