Brantford councillors have signed off on a new Food Security Community Action Plan, a move city staff say is necessary to address a growing number of residents unable to afford food and housing.
The plan, developed with the Brant Food System Coalition, was approved Tuesday evening.
It follows the city’s declaration of a Food Insecurity Emergency in March, a motion introduced by Councillor Mandy Samwell after the Brantford Food Bank reported year-over-year spikes in demand.
“Food security is not just about food,” Samwell said during debate.
“It is primarily about lack of income, unaffordable housing, and policies that leave people behind.”
The situation in Brantford reflects a broader Ontario trend: incomes and benefits are failing to keep up with inflation.
The living wage in Brant Haldimand Norfolk Niagara is calculated at $20.90 per hour, while the provincial minimum wage sits at $17.20.
Provincial assistance programs fall well short of local living costs.
A single person on Ontario Works receives $733 a month, while those on the Ontario Disability Support Program receive a maximum of $1,408. Old Age Security provides between $735.95 and $808.45, depending on age.
“Food banks and emergency meal programs were once thought to be temporary,” said Heather Vanner, executive director of the Brantford Food Bank.
“Now they are embedded in the social safety net.”
The action plan calls for three priorities:
- lobbying senior governments for policy and income support reform;
- boosting public awareness of available programs; and
- coordinating local food agencies to limit duplication.
The document stems from a Food Security Forum held in June that gathered more than 50 local representatives.
City staff say the next stage will focus on aligning local non-profits and pressing Ottawa and Queen’s Park for systemic changes.
More information on local programs and the plan is available at FeedBrant.ca.
