A mother, who is raising her daughter alone, requests a few cupcakes for a birthday celebration. A retired head of a nonprofit organization, now living on a fixed pension, stands in line for groceries offered by a charity.
These scenarios highlight the daily realities of food insecurity that Iman Khalilavi, the volunteer and practicum director at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House in Vancouver, encounters in her role. Such instances are not rare. Currently, food insecurity impacts nearly one in four Canadians and has serious consequences on both physical and mental health, but there is potential for positive change.
The Role of Nutrition
As the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” Nutritious food is indeed crucial for our health. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines a healthy diet as rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and unsaturated fats—this kind of diet helps mitigate risks of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, while also enhancing immune health and energy levels.
Though good nutrition is frequently discussed, Ian Marcuse, who coordinates the Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks and works with the Vancouver Food Justice Coalition, suggests adopting a broader perspective that encompasses mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. “Food serves as a vital tool for fostering community well-being,” he affirms.
The Growing Challenge
Food insecurity is escalating, and its effects are disproportionately felt across various segments of society. Vulnerable populations, including racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, and single-parent households—especially those led by women—face heightened risks. Studies indicate a correlation between food insecurity and increased consumption of processed foods, which may lead to a higher incidence of health issues.
“The complexity of food insecurity cannot be overstated,” remarks Khalivali. “Families with lower incomes, seniors, and individuals often find themselves choosing between paying their bills and purchasing nutritious food.” She emphasizes that many in her community rely on food assistance programs, budget meals, and food recovery initiatives, even if these offerings sometimes lack quality. “There’s often inadequate access to culturally relevant foods, particularly for newcomers and marginalized individuals.”
Even when individuals can afford healthier options, they may lack the necessary social environments or skills for cooking, which can adversely affect their mental health and lead to increased reliance on processed foods.
Both Khalivali and Marcuse note that systemic inequalities such as racism and colonial histories, combined with rising housing costs and inflation, also heavily influence food insecurity. Over a third of Canadian families living under the poverty threshold report facing food insecurity.
An Equity-Focused Approach
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House is currently engaged in several initiatives, including grocery distribution, cooking workshops, communal meal events, gardening projects, food recovery, and budgeting sessions. Khalivali explains that these programs foster connections between individuals and organizations to fortify the local food ecosystem.
Marcuse adds that it’s vital to avoid imposing a single perspective on what constitutes healthy food in programs centered around nutrition and cooking skills. “Our workshops foster a culture of sharing and collaboration,” he notes. Inisiatives featuring cultural cuisines, such as sauerkraut and kimchi workshops, tend to attract interest, and there is a growing trend for participants to lead sessions instead of outside educators.
He also stresses the necessity for an equity-focused framework in food and nutrition initiatives. For instance, Indigenous food systems require more than standard market-based strategies; they need to emphasize Indigenous practices, traditional food cultivation, and the use of medicinal plants in partnership with local Nations.
Creating inclusive and free programming is crucial, says Marcuse. He mentions that when stipends are needed for participants, support should be available for vulnerable populations, such as newcomers and youth, who may lack social insurance or stable housing.
Essential Systemic Changes
While charitable actions like redistributing surplus food are valuable for those in urgent need, they do not solve the underlying causes of food insecurity. Marcuse points out that the Vancouver Food Justice Coalition is pushing for significant policy reforms, including increasing the city’s allocation for food systems and incorporating the concept of food as a universal human right into governmental policies. Advancements in affordable housing and fair wages are also crucial, according to Marcuse.
“Food insecurity reflects a failure of policy,” states Khalivali. “Food network coordinators and community food organizers aim to connect people to inspire positive changes and to celebrate diversity through shared cultural contributions. However, genuine celebration is unattainable when foundational needs are unmet. Prioritizing these essentials, starting with food, is critical. Until these issues are resolved, community development will remain unachievable.”
This article was initially featured in the January 2026 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
