FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 13, 2017
Perth County ̶ October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Locally, activities will take place to raise awareness on issues related to poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness.
The Local Community Food Centre Dinner: October 16
On Monday, October 16, the social justice group EPIC (Empowering People in Communities) is hosting a drop-in community meal at the Local called “Let’s Talk about Poverty,” and everyone is welcome to attend. A speaker from the Health Unit will be on hand along with representatives from EPIC and the Local talking about the effects of poverty in Perth County. The meal takes place from 5pm to 630pm. For more information, visit www.thelocalcfc.org
Chew on This! Event: October 17
On Tuesday, October 17, the Health Unit and staff from the Local, will be handing out brown paper lunch bags in Stratford’s Market Square over the noon hour, and talking with people about issues related to poverty and food insecurity. The activity is part of the Chew on This! campaign, which is a national movement to raise awareness about food insecurity and call for the establishment of a national anti-poverty plan in Canada. The lunch bags will contain a snack, a magnet, information about the costs of eating well in Perth County and a postcard to say that “We Need a Plan” to end poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness in Canada.
Poverty and Food Insecurity
Nearly 900,000 people in Canada rely on food banks each month, and one in eight families struggle daily to put food on the table. Food insecurity results from a household’s inability to afford the food they need. “Poverty, income and food insecurity go hand-in-hand,” says Jaclyn Dietz, Public Health Nurse. “We hope that these events will inspire people to take action to make life better for our fellow citizens.”
For more information:
- Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 extension 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 extension 267
- Visit pdhu.on.ca
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter