Resolution 2024-01
Commitment to Address Food Security in Alberta
Submitted by County of Grande Prairie Family and Community Support Services Advisory Board
BE IT RESOLVED THAT The FCSSAA advocates to the Government of Alberta to partner with a food security focused organization to maintain its current commitment of funding to address food security through a range of strategies that ensure access to food while also tackling the root causes of food insecurity.
Background
Food security is a fundamental human right and is essential for the health and well-being of all Albertans. The rate of food insecurity in Alberta is rising, affecting approximately 1 in 5 households, with low-income families, Indigenous communities, and seniors being particularly impacted. Recent economic challenges, inflation, and supply chain disruptions have exacerbated food insecurity, placing additional strain on food banks, community organizations, and vulnerable populations.
Food insecurity in Alberta is driven by several interconnected factors that impact the availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutritious food for residents. Economic disparities have created a significant gap between high- and low-income households, with many families struggling to afford healthy food amid rising living costs. The high cost of living, including increased housing, utility, and transportation costs consumes a large portion of household budgets, leaving less money available for food. For example, according to the Alberta Consumer Price Index, between January 2023 and January 2024, electricity costs rose by 119%, and rental accommodations increased by 10.6%. Food prices in Alberta have steadily risen, with average retail food prices increasing by 26.81% from January 2019 to January 2024. If these costs continue to climb, Alberta’s social systems will face even greater strain, and more individuals will struggle to meet their basic needs.
Addressing food insecurity requires a comprehensive approach, including economic reforms, improved social services, support for local agriculture, and targeted policies to ensure all residents have reliable access to nutritious food. Between 2022 and 2024, the Government of Alberta dedicated $20 million to address food security through food banks and food-serving organizations.
This investment was essential in responding to the ongoing crisis of food insecurity. However, this assistance alone is insufficient to address the social safety nets and policies that fail to tackle the root causes of food insecurity. Programs providing financial assistance, affordable housing, and food subsidies are crucial components of a comprehensive approach to food insecurity. It is vital that the province continues to invest in supporting a broad spectrum of community programs that address poverty reduction and enhance food security.
Sources
Average Retail Food Prices Data Visualization Tool (statcan.gc.ca)
Canadian Income Survey, Centre for Income and Socioeconomic Well-being Statistics, Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0835-01 Food insecurity by selected demographic characteristics
Questions?
If you have any questions about this resolution, please contact:
Mellissa Kraft, FCSSAA Executive Director
director@fcssaa.org
#625, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB | T5J 2V5
FCSSAA
The Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) was founded in 1981, as a member-driven organization dedicated to bringing Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programs from across the province together. We provide the platform for our member programs to connect and collaborate, so they can maximize resources and speak with an informed, credible, unified voice to all stakeholders.
