Food banks were meant to be a temporary solution to a temporary problem. But now they are a permanent institution in North American cities. In Ontario, over 250,000 people per month rely on food banks. Clearly, not only is this unpleasant for the people who get sick, it is also expensive for our health care system. Concentration means that control of an industry is centred in fewer, large and powerful corporations.
Urban agriculture is one way to grow food closer to home.
Food and community Food is a central part of culture, families and community. More and more the cultivation and preparation of food have been taken into the industrial sector, and the skills lost to individuals and communities. Traditionally, eating, growing and preparing food together has been key to cementing social ties.