The Impact of Food Insecurity The State of Food Insecurity in Canada

 Food insecurity is a complex issue that affects Canadians from all walks of life. According to a report by Food Banks Canada, 1 in 8 Canadians experience food insecurity, with the most vulnerable populations being children, seniors, and those living in poverty. 

The report also notes that food bank use has increased by 20% over the past five years, with many foodbanks reporting that they are struggling to keep up with demand. This is a worrying trend, and one that should prompt us to act. 

Food insecurity has a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. When people are struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, they are more likely to experience a range of negative health outcomes, including:

• Malnutrition: Food insecurity can lead to malnutrition, which can have serious health consequences, particularly for children and seniors.
• Chronic diseases: A diet that is high in processed and unhealthy foods can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
• Mental health issues: Food insecurity can also have a negative impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

What Can We Do?

So, what can we do to address food insecurity in Canada? Here are a few suggestions:

• Support local food banks: Food banks are an essential lifeline for those in need, and they rely on donations to provide essential services.
• Advocate for policy change: Contact your local Member of Parliament and express your concerns about food insecurity and the need for policy change.
• Get involved in your community: Consider volunteering at a local food bank or soup kitchen, or getting involved in other initiatives that support those in need.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about food insecurity and its causes, and share what you've learned with others.

Celebrating Canada Day 2025: A Time for Pride and Reflection

 Canada Day 2025 is a time to celebrate our achievements. Our country, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and strong economy, is a place where many people feel fortunate to call home. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the beautiful coastlines of Nova Scotia, Canada is a land of incredible diversity and opportunity. On this special day, we come together to celebrate our nation's birthday, and all the things that make Canada great.

As we reflect on the state of our country, it's clear that we have many reasons to be proud. Our healthcare system, for example, is one of the best in the world, providing essential medical care to all Canadians. Our education system is highly regarded, offering students from coast-to-coast access to quality schools and universities. Our economy is strong and diverse, with a thriving tech sector, a robust manufacturing industry, and a rich natural resources sector.

But as we celebrate Canada's achievements, we must also acknowledge that not all Canadians are as fortunate as others. Despite our country's many successes, there are still many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. One of the most pressing issues facing our nation is food insecurity. According to Food Banks Canada, over 1.2 million Canadians rely on food banks each month to get by. This is a staggering statistic, and one that should give us all pause.

Food banks are an essential lifeline for those in need, providing groceries and other essential items to help families put food on the table. But the demand for these services is growing, and it's clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of food insecurity. The reasons for food insecurity are complex and multifaceted, but some of the key factors include poverty, unemployment, and a lack of affordable housing.

As Canadians, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. We can start by supporting our local food banks, donating food, time, and resources to help those in need. We can also advocate for policy changes that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as affordable housing and job creation.

On Canada Day 2025, let's take a moment to reflect on the state of our country and the challenges that we still face. Let's celebrate our achievements, but also acknowledge the work that remains to be done. As a nation, we have a proud history of coming together to support one another, and it's time to do so again.

Here are some ways you can make a difference:

• Donate to your local food bank: Food banks rely on donations to provide essential services to those in need. Consider making a financial donation as your financial donation goes further than a non-perishable food item. However non-perishable food items are a welcome donation.
• Volunteer your time: Food banks and other organizations that support those in need rely on volunteers to help sort donations, distribute food, and provide other essential services.
• Advocate for policy change: Contact your local Member of Parliament and express your concerns about food insecurity and the need for policy change.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about food insecurity and its causes, and share what you've learned with others.

As we celebrate Canada Day 2025, let's come together to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Let's show our pride and compassion by supporting those in need, and working towards a more equitable and just society for all.

As we celebrate Canada Day 2025, let's take a moment to reflect on the state of our country and the challenges that we still face. Let's celebrate our achievements, but also acknowledge the work that remains to be done. As a nation, we have a proud history of coming together to support one another, and it's time to do so again.

By supporting those in need, advocating for policy change, and getting involved in our communities, we can make a difference in the lives of Canadians who are struggling. Let's work together to build a more equitable and just society, where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Happy Canada Day 2025!

Finding Calm: A Senior's Guide to Managing Stress and Rediscovering Peace

 Summer time and the living is easy, or it should be but for many of my friends and neighbours life is not easy. People are under great stress and many seniors do not know or do not remember how to overcome and deal with the stress of life. So, I have over the next few posts created my own guide on managing stress. The next eight posts are about Finding Calm: A Senior's Guide to Managing Stress and Rediscovering Peace, I hope is that it helps as it is created for my friends and members of my association who are navigating the challenges of modern life. Over the next eight days I explore how stress affects us and offers age-appropriate strategies to lighten the emotional load. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by daily demands or simply seeking more ease and balance, I hope you discover a gentler, more joyful path forward, one thoughtful step at a time. Remember if you are under medical care, always seek the advice of your medical provider before you make any life changes. 

Life changes with age, but so do our strengths. While many older adults expected their later years to be simpler, today's world can feel more demanding than ever. Rising costs, shifting relationships, health concerns, and a steady stream of upsetting news can leave even the most resilient among us feeling worn down. If you've ever asked yourself, "Why am I so tired, and why does everything feel so heavy?" you're not alone. My hope is that together, I will explore the difference between good and bad stress, the hidden health costs of carrying too much worry, and most importantly, the steps you can take to rediscovery your calm. There's real hope, and real help.

Starting Over Summary

So, as we continue to examine why baby boomers want to start new careers late in life, I will highlight some seniors who have made the leap, next up Bernita Clark – From Medical Technologist to Computer Systems Analyst

Bernita Clark spent decades working quietly and skillfully behind the scenes in a hospital lab. As a medical technologist, she was part of the essential workforce that supported physicians and patients with accurate diagnostics. But when the healthcare system began to shift and job security became less certain, Bernita found herself facing an uncertain future.

Financial instability wasn’t something she expected in midlife, but it became a wake-up call. Rather than panic, Bernita made a bold choice: she decided to retrain for a new career in computer science, a field she had always been curious about but had never pursued.

Starting over wasn’t easy. It meant going back to school, keeping up with younger classmates, and pushing through doubts. But Bernita persevered. Her determination paid off when she secured a position as a computer systems analyst with a stable company and a solid pension plan.

What’s remarkable about Bernita’s journey isn’t just her career switch, it’s the confidence she gained along the way. Today, she’s not only financially secure, but she also enjoys part-time consulting and remains active in her community, mentoring others who are considering their own career pivots.

Bernita's story is a reminder that reinvention can be both practical and empowering. It shows that we are never too old to learn, adapt, and thrive. By trusting her instincts and investing in herself, she turned uncertainty into a foundation for new growth. Source: