BarrieToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected]. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following is from Georgian College president Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes.
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I often wonder why in our prosperous society that believes strongly in equity and social justice do so many people face food insecurity?
Imagine not having access to affordable, nutritious foods? This is a reality many community members – and Georgian students – face.
Food insecurity negatively impacts all areas of our lives and costs our health-care system considerably. For students, it affects their physical and mental well-being, academic performance and, ultimately, their success.
When I look for systemic solutions, I quickly turn to the work being done by those who are not only innovating tirelessly to ensure no one goes hungry but who continue to advocate for necessary policy changes and poverty reduction strategies.
Food insecurity has particularly captured the attention of younger students who understand we need creative, multi-faceted approaches.
One such approach is the Georgian Food Locker, our on-campus food bank. Managed by the Georgian College Students’ Association, students ensure peers who require food assistance are provided temporary relief. But the program extends beyond groceries. There’s an educational component promoting food literacy skills and understanding barriers to food security.
Recently, I learned one of the Food Locker's biggest champions — a leader who has made an incredible difference — has retired. Peter Sundborg was executive director of the Barrie Food Bank for 10 years. He's a local hero.
The food bank and Georgian have partnered on a number of initiatives – and our values align, especially in the areas of access for all and inclusiveness. Both organizations are committed to fostering engaged citizens and change-makers.
Peter’s work, and the work of volunteers, has impacted many students who’ve relied on the food bank for support. When the pandemic forced us to re-evaluate how to deliver our Food Locker program safely, Peter graciously let us direct students to the food bank’s services until we figured out next steps.
Under Peter’s leadership, the food bank also consistently helped with donations when we reached out, and we were happy to return the favour. Students also worked with the organization to achieve learning outcomes on assignments. It has been a wonderful, reciprocal relationship.
Peter and our students inspire me to strive toward meaningful change. They remind me the solutions are right here. The best way to tackle food insecurity is like any other social, environmental or economic challenge we face – together.
Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes
Georgian College, president
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