Fighting Food Insecurity

Poverty in the Jewish community has been on the rise in Ontario for decades. One of the most concerning trends is food insecurity amongst Jewish seniors in Ontario who are unable to access affordable kosher food.

There are approximately 650 households living in poverty being served kosher meals on wheels by the Bernard Betel Centre in Toronto, with a waitlist of more than 500 households still hoping to have this basic need met.

While we hope the worst of the pandemic is behind us, the challenge of food insecurity remains for thousands of Ontarians in the Jewish and other ethnocultural communities throughout the province.

Research has shown that ethnocultural service agencies can deliver programming and support that accesses the most vulnerable in their communities, ensuring fewer Ontarians fall through the cracks. They also provide food that people will eat, in line with religious dietary restrictions and cultural sensitivities.