Increasing Food Security in Waterdown and Carlisle

A combined $30,000 is coming to Ward 15 to support our two local food banks to launch a lunch program at WDHS.

Sadly, there are many in our community unable to buy enough healthy food for themselves and their family. In both Flamborough and Hamilton more broadly, hunger and food insecurity are on the rise - dramatically. Across the city, nearly 20,000 people access a food bank monthly. Of that number, more than 6,000 people are children. Moreover, Hamilton Food Share notes a steep increase in clients, as 40% more people are using food banks this summer than this time last year. Clearly more needs to be done.

To that end, I was proud to introduce several motions at City Council to financially support greater food security in Ward 15. Specifically, City Council has approved a $10,000 contribution to Food for Grace in Waterdown, a $10,000 contribution to the Flamborough Food Bank in Carlisle, as well as an additional $10,000 investment to launch a new lunch program at Waterdown District High School.

The Flamborough Food Bank is located in Carlisle at 1432 Centre Road. It is open Wednesdays from 9am-8pm. The food bank consistently supports nearly 400 families from the local area, approximately half of its clients are children. Food with Grace Waterdown Food Bank is open by appointment on Tuesdays from 2pm until 6pm. To book an appointment, please email foodwgrace@graceanglicanwaterdown.org.

Both food banks are in constant need of donations and financial support to keep up with the heavy (and increasing) demand for their services. In addition, they also need new refrigeration and hydraulic equipment to support their operations. Each will be receiving $10,000 from the City of Hamilton to support their operations and ongoing assistance to community members.

At the elementary and high school level, Tastebuds Student Nutrition Collaborative is already well established across Hamilton. Tastebuds is a partnership of community agencies and community members that supports and facilitates local student nutrition programs for children and youth in Hamilton. However, at present the program is only offered at a single elementary school inside Ward 15 (Balaclava). That will change this September, thanks to a $10,000 contribution, resulting from my motion to City Council. The new program at Waterdown District High School will fund meals for 150 students multiple times a week for the entire school year.

No one in our community, or in Hamilton more broadly, should go hungry in our land of plenty. By working together, we can make an important difference in the lives of others. If you have the capacity to donate, please consider helping our local foodbanks. If you are need of food support, both the Flamborough Food Bank and Food With Grace can assist.