300km For Food Security
Hello!! I am back for another year of running every day during the month of September to raise funds for a chosen charity. If you haven't followed along before, in previous years I have raised money for COVID-19 Relief, Alzheimer Society of Canada, and most recently, the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.
This year, I am excited to raise money for Food Banks Canada by committing to running 300 km over the next 30 days (averaging 10k/day). And documenting it on my stories over on Instagram @mikailakukurudza. I hope you'll follow along as I share facts about Food Banks Canada, food insecurity in Canada, and of course, how my runs are going!
Over the last four years of doing my September charity challenge, I have been sweetly surprised at how many of you from various places and moments in my life, from across the country, have shown up and donated. I do not take it lightly that you choose to support my chosen charity and really take the time to research and ensure your hard-earned money goes to a charity that will really make a difference. I feel like we've been talking about "this economy" a lot lately, but for most of us, we are blessed enough to know there will always still be food on the table and we won't have to go to bed hungry. That truly isn't the case for so many Canadians, including those in our own communities and possibly, in our close circles. Your neighbour, a work colleague, a friend, someone in your family; hunger isn’t an issue reserved solely for strangers or the homeless. Food insecurity can be found even within our closest circles and more often than not, these people go by quietly unnoticed. My goal is always to choose a charity that not only directly benefits my own community, but yours too and that's why I am so excited to support Food Banks Canada.
During my research, Food Banks Canada really stood out because of their comprehensive approach to tackling hunger. They're not just about immediate relief; they push for policy changes that address the core reasons behind food insecurity, like poverty and low income. They also conduct thorough research to understand the factors driving the need for food banks, which informs their advocacy work. On top of that, they're involved in enhancing food bank systems across the country to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. So while donating cans to our local food bank is amazing (and so needed!), Food Banks Canada takes it one step further to see how they can tackle the root problem of food insecurity.
Here are some fast facts about food insecurity and food banks in Canada:
- Food banks across Canada have seen 32% more visits since March 2023
- 33% of food bank users in Canada are children
- 42.4% of Canadian food bank users are on social assistance of disability related supports as their main source of income
- There can be a stigma attached to poverty, yet more than half of Canadians are less than a paycheque away from dire financial circumstances that will push them over the edge and into the position of having to use a food bank.
There is truly NO donation too small to make a difference. And if you are unable to financially support my charity this year, I welcome you to join me in running some kilometers (either virtually or in person), volunteering your time in your local food bank, or to drop off canned goods at our home, which we will bring to our local food bank on your behalf.
With school in session and Thanksgiving approaching, I hope that together we can bring security and comfort to at least one child, one family this season—and ideally, to many more. If you have any questions, concerns or want to plan a run this month, don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you in advance for your support! -Mik
Organizer
Mikaila Kukurudza
Organizer
Bowmanville, ON
Food Banks Canada
Beneficiary