Community Living Huntsville issues call to action on food insecurity

A woman in a blue turtle-neck sweater and a serious facial expression stands in a kitchen. There is a small amount of groceries on the countertop behind her.

Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist for Community Living Huntsville, urges community members to take collective action on food insecurity. The not-for-profit organization will publish a 5-video series on the issue, starting in September 2024.

North Muskoka – Food insecurity is a crisis in our community that demands immediate action. The cost of living continues to skyrocket and many of our neighbours, especially those with disabilities who rely on social assistance, are struggling to afford basic needs – like food.

“Food insecurity not only undermines a person’s health and well-being – it also erodes our community,” said Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist for Community Living Huntsville. “No one can fully contribute to our community’s economic and social fabric if they cannot afford to eat.”

The not-for-profit organization has launched a community call to action with a food security advocacy campaign, called Help End Food Insecurity in Our Community.

The campaign includes a 5-video series, published through the organization’s YouTube channel, plus an advocacy letter, available for download at www.clhuntsville.ca/get-involved/raise-your-voice/. Community members can send to their elected officials or use the letter as inspiration for their own letter.

“We need you to help us put an end to food insecurity in our community,” said Jerrett. “The number of community members who are forced to choose between rent and food is growing every day. There is no dignity in that. Real change will come only if we raise our voices together, as a community.”

The campaign officially starts Thursday, September 12, 2024, and will run for 5 weeks.

Community Living Huntsville is a not-for-profit, registered charity that supports and advocates alongside more than 300 people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, work, and play in unique and purposeful ways in North Muskoka. Learn more at clhuntsville.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Linkedin.

 

Media Contact

Jennifer Jerrett
Community Engagement Specialist
Community Living Huntsville
Jennifer.Jerrett@clhuntsville.ca
705-789-4543, Ext. 241