At Lunchbox Lifeline, our mission is to provide assistance to those in need. We believe that everyone deserves access to basic necessities and we work tirelessly to make this a reality.
Our values are at the core of everything we do. We believe in compassion, empathy, and the power of community. We are committed to treating every individual we serve with dignity and respect, and to working together to create a better world.
At Lunchbox Lifeline, we envision a world where every individual has access to basic necessities and the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. We strive to create a community where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Food insecurity is defined as the inability to access an adequate quality of food in a socially acceptable way and is a major global issue, reflected in the UN Sustainable Developmental Goal 2: Zero Hunger. According to Statistics Canada, certain groups living below the poverty line such as female lone families and racialized communities, are further affected by food insecurities, facing heightened challenges in accessing adequate nutrition. The prevalence of families experiencing food insecurity rose from 16% to 18% between 2021 and 2022. This surge has been attributed to high inflation levels due to supply chain disruptions of COVID-19, adverse climate events, high oil prices, and other contributing factors.
For people experiencing homelessness, the need to find a safe place to sleep often overshadows the concerns about food. The lack of fixed accommodation limits access to storage and cooking facilities, forcing reliance on meals provided by shelters, soup kitchens or affordable yet often unhealthy high-fat, high-sugar options. Consequently, this dietary pattern lacks essential nutrients and severely limits the availability of fruits and vegetables, thereby exacerbating unhealthy body mass indexes (BMIs) and vitamin deficiencies. The impact of food insecurity on health cannot be overstated. It is linked to various chronic conditions, mental health issues, and increased hospitalization rates. Among the homeless population, this translates into multimorbidity, where individuals suffer from multiple long-term conditions, including physical ailments, mental health challenges, and substance misuse.
Food insecurity is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals and communities. Considering these challenges, our mission is clear: to bridge the gap and provide healthy meals to anyone in need. We believe in indiscriminately supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity, regardless of their circumstances. By addressing food insecurity, we aim to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and improve overall well-being.
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