Hunger Crisis: Report of the Hunger Inquiry

On November 23, 2010 the Recession Relief Coalition convened a Hunger Inquiry at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto.

The aims of the Hunger Inquiry were to: a) identify the reasons why people aren't able to access enough of the nutritious food needed to maintain and enhance their physical and mental health; b) to gather evidence attesting to the problems that arise from hunger and malnourishment; c) to produce a report that includes recommendations for action to address the many issues raised through the Inquiry; and to d) mobilize a broad base of allies in efforts to address hunger and related issues.

Over the course of the day, more than 30 expert witnesses--front line workers, social service agency staff, academics, community leaders, and people directly affected by hunger--provided testimony to the Hunger Inquiry's expert panel attesting to Toronto’s worsening hunger problem.  

An audience of hundreds listened as witnesses identified growing poverty as the key reason for growing hunger in Toronto. Witnesses expressed frustration with government inaction and woefully inadequate policies and programs and also articulated fears that austerity measures being considered by all levels of government would create more hunger and worsen conditions for those already struggling to get enough to eat.

The Hunger Inquiry's Expert Panel, selected for their knowledge of hunger and poverty, are*:

Joshna Maharaj: Chef, Food Activist
Jim Stanford: Economist, C.A.W.
Dr. Gary Bloch: Family Doctor
Linda Chamberlain: Community Advocate
Toni Panzuto: FoodShare Program Facilitator
Bruce McLeod: Former Moderator, United Church of Canada

Panelists released a set of recommendations based on the evidence presented by witnesses during the November 23rd Inquiry.  A report of the proceedings is now available and is being widely distributed so that organizations will be able to use it as a resource to support their food security & anti-poverty advocacy work.  

The Inquiry's longer-term goal is to encourage further organized action around the issues highlighted by the report.

In an attempt to keep governments accountable to those affected by the recession and to protect and/or increase government supports, the Recession Relief Coalition has spent the past year-and-a-half working to document and publicize the real impact of the recession on Canadians and the organizations that serve them.  The Hunger Inquiry is the Coalition's latest initiative in pursuit of this objective.

Publication Date: 
2011
Location: 
Canada