Hunger in Huron and Perth

Yes, hunger exists in Huron-Perth even though you don’t see pan-handlers on the street.
Yes, hunger exists in Huron-Perth even though Huron and Perth Counties are two of the most agriculturally productive counties in Ontario.
Yes, even farmers in Huron-Perth can be hungry.

How many?

• In 2005, about 7,000 individuals or fami¬lies visited the 9 Huron County food banks —that’s approximately the population of Goderich
• In March 2009, 720 families visited the 9 Perth County food banks
• From January 2009 to January 2010, some individual food banks reported increases of 100 people in a month

The number of people visiting food banks is only a fraction of the people who live with hunger. Not everyone who experiences hunger can work up the courage to ask for help.




Why?
When there isn’t enough money to go around, the food budget takes the hit.

This means:

• Skipping meals or eating less
• Eating poorer quality of food – foods eaten because they make you feel full, not because they are healthy
• The cheapest foods are often the most unhealthy foods (loaded with fat, sugar and salt)
• In developed nations, like Canada and the United States, the hungry are often overweight or obese because of the unhealthy food they eat