A safe, sustainable food supply is central to health. Although food borne illness is largely a preventable problem that can be addressed through education, it is estimated that there were 477,000 cases of food borne illness in British Columbia in 1994, and thirty-two British Columbians died of food borne illness in 1995. In addition, consumers are concerned about the long-term and cumulative impact of food additives and pesticides and the potential health implications of food biotechnology. The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has recognized the potential threats to the global food supply, and the need to encourage a strong agricultural base in the province. The government has a responsibility to ensure that the food supply is safe and of high quality.
Poverty is a primary cause of hunger.
The link between poverty and hunger is evidenced by the increased use of emergency food centres. Over the last fifteen years a number of crisis intervention programs have emerged in B.C. to provide emergency relief from hunger. Food banks are the central mechanism of food distribution, but school meal programs and soup kitchens also play an important role. Since the first food bank in B.C. opened in the early 1980s, their numbers have increased to serve 608,000 people in 1994. Children are particularly vulnerable to hunger, as even moderate levels of malnutrition can pose significant health risks with long-term consequences for their development.