As the new executive director of La Bouffe Additionnelle, I’d like to talk about food insecurity in our community. Food insecurity can be defined as a lack of access or limited access to food due to a lack of financial resources. We know that irregular access to healthy, nutritious food hinders normal development and the ability to have a healthy, active life. With current inflation, supermarket markups, increases in housing costs, and the spiking cost of living expenses in general, it’s getting harder and harder for many people to make ends meet. La Bouffe Additionnelle has noted a four per cent increase in requests for help from employed individuals in the region.
In such a situation, it’s increasingly difficult to eat adequately or sufficiently, and food insecurity deeply affects quality of life. We all know that adequate nutrition is essential for good physical and psychological health; but it’s important to understand that, for many people, an “adequate” meal consists of Kraft Dinner for two. It’s more important than ever to be aware of the significance of food insecurity and its effects on quality of life.
At the same time, food security is not defined by a monthly food basket. To help your community, you need to know its needs, and the needs of the people who frequent your community organizations. It’s a team effort that must be sustained over the long term according to the needs of the territory. Last year, La Bouffe Additionnelle experienced a series of upheavals. But far from weakening the organization, these trials have led to a period of transition. Our outlook is positive, and several exciting projects are in the pipeline. These projects will enable us to more effectively serve a greater number of people who are in need.
We are here to help our community, and we are committed to serving it with integrity and dignity. We provide food assistance on an individual basis to improve the personal situations of those reaching out for help. We want to improve their quality of life and personal well-being, which will lead to a greater collective well-being.
Hard times can happen to anyone, and help is available for everyone. Food is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, and everyone has a right to eat.
Donna Cormier
General manager, La Bouffe Additionnelle
