"You feel like you can't provide for your family, because of food insecurity. It does take a toll on your mental health. Like if you can't afford to fend for your family, it is depressing, right?"
Neighbourhood Resident
"In communities where income levels are depressed, opportunities are few and far between, these communities have to make choices on a daily basis about what goes into their bodies. It affects their health. I mean, that's the reality…. What the challenge has been – and again, it's obvious what has happened – is that the pandemic, really, it laid bare the inequities in our system, It laid bare the systemic bias in our system, and its impact in places like Flemingdon, like Malvern, like Regent Park – the places that are struggling. But we didn't do anything different. What did we do? What did the government do? What did people do? They just give a little bit more money. That's it."
Food Security Worker
Our Research
Between January 2021 and June 2023 in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, Toronto, Canada, we conducted a community based research project documenting the experiences of food insecurity and economic insecurity, and the relationship between them, since the onset of COVID-19.
We spoke with residents experiencing work insecurity and workers involved in all local food programs.
Community Ideas
Residents and workers bring a wealth of skills, knowledge, experience and ideas to make meaningful change. Ideas about jobs, rent, alternatives to food banks, addressing power imbalances, and more.
Explore Stories
Research Partners



