Jack Wheeler’s Post

Notice anything? This map from the Who's Hungry 2024 report provides an excellent visualization of why food bank usage is at best a weak proxy for food insecurity. We know from StatCan and other external measures that northern Toronto has high levels of poverty and people struggling with low incomes. Yet we can clearly see large gaps in visits to food banks across these neighbourhoods. Why? Food banks are privately funded charities so they all differ in service levels, the size of their spaces, opening hours and frequency of access. Moreover, Toronto has dramatically different densities of housing, transit and other services across the city. Visits to food banks really measure availability of supports rather than the need for those supports. It's another reason why charity cannot replace a robust, publicly-funded social safety net. It's also why North York Harvest Food Bank places our food spaces in accessible sites like community centres and libraries and operates them in partnership with other organizations who can provide wraparound supports for our clients. It's why we have long advocated for better access to public buildings for community-based nonprofit organizations. I recently spoke about this and other findings from the Who's Hungry 2024 report with Reshma Budhu and Marissa Alexander on rabble.ca: https://lnkd.in/g3mUFwSc

As we embrace the season of gratitude, Brighton Our World encourages everyone to find meaningful ways to give thanks and show appreciation in their communities. Here are a few ideas to inspire acts of kindness and gratitude: 1. Volunteer Your Time: Offer your time at local shelters, food banks, or community centers. Even a few hours can make a big difference to those in need. 2. Support Local Businesses: Show your gratitude to local entrepreneurs by shopping at local stores, dining at local restaurants, or leaving positive reviews online. 3. Help a Neighbor: Whether it's raking leaves, shoveling snow, or just checking in, small acts of service can strengthen community bonds and show you care. 4. Write Thank You Notes: A handwritten note can express appreciation in a way that digital messages cannot. Consider writing notes to community helpers like teachers, healthcare workers, and postal workers. 5. Donate to Local Charities: Support local causes that make a difference in your community. Monetary donations or donations of goods can both have a significant impact. 6. Host a Community Meal: Organize a potluck or barbecue to bring neighbors together and create an opportunity for connection and thanks. Let's use this time to spread kindness and thanks across our communities. Every gesture of gratitude makes our world a little brighter! #BrightonOurWorld #CommunityGratitude #GiveThanks #ActsOfKindness

In challenging times, it’s more important than ever to check on those around us. #Nigeria is facing significant difficulties, and the rising cost of food items is putting a strain on many households. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and the financial burden is creating a lot of stress and uncertainty. This situation calls for empathy and solidarity. Reach out to your neighbors, friends, and family members to see how they are coping. A simple phone call or message can make a big difference, providing emotional support and letting them know they are not alone. If you are in a position to help, consider offering assistance in any way you can, whether it’s sharing a meal, running errands, or just being a listening ear. Community support systems and local organizations are also crucial during these times. Volunteering or donating to food banks, shelters, and other charities can provide much-needed relief to those who are most affected. Advocacy for policies that address food insecurity and economic hardship can also lead to long-term solutions. Together, we can navigate these difficulties with compassion and resilience. By looking out for each other and extending a helping hand, we can foster a sense of unity and hope, even in the hardest of times.

📣📣 In 43 days those who celebrate Christmas will be waking up and enjoying the days festivities! 📣📣 Everywhere you turn there are connections to the upcoming holiday, adverts, in the shops, all over social media and in our conversations. Whilst you are preparing for Christmas have you thought about how you can give back to those less fortunate than ourselves? 📣📣Below are a number of ways you can give back, please also feel free to share in the comments any charities close to your heart that need help! Perhaps something you can share with your team to do as a group. 🍽 https://lnkd.in/e5HxQCh3 This Christmas can be the beginning of life beyond homelessness. Each year Crisis at Christmas opens its doors to thousands of people experiencing homelessness. 🎁 https://lnkd.in/ezWt8DB9 Many Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK will be running a Christmas Present Appeal, collecting donated presents until mid-December.  You can help us spread the joy of Christmas to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift. 🥫 https://lnkd.in/eFihN6pD Winter is often the busiest time for food banks in the Trussell community.  Last winter, 600,000 food parcels were distributed to people facing hunger and poverty.  We expect this year to be just as challenging as more people struggle to afford even the essentials. #GivingBack #Christmas #FoodBanks #MakeADifference

🌟 Happy Make A Difference Day! 🌟 Today, let's come together to create positive change and support those in need, especially low-income families in our community. Here are some meaningful ways you can make a difference: 🩷Volunteer at a Food Bank: Help sort and distribute food to families who need it most. 🧡Donate Clothing and Household Items: Clean out your closets and donate gently used items to shelters and organizations assisting low-income families. 💛Offer Tutoring Services: Share your knowledge and skills with children or adults in need of educational support. 💚Organize a Community Cleanup: Beautify local parks and neighborhoods, creating a healthier environment for everyone. 🩵Support Local Businesses: Shop at small businesses and farmers' markets to boost the local economy. 💙Mentor a Young Person: Provide guidance and support to young people facing challenges. 💜Host a Fundraiser: Organize an event or online campaign to raise funds for local charities and programs. 🖤Advocate for Affordable Housing: Get involved in local government to support policies that ensure everyone has a safe place to call home. 🩶Create Care Packages: Put together packages of essentials like toiletries, snacks, and warm clothing for homeless individuals. Every small act of kindness counts. Let's use Make A Difference Day to inspire change and bring hope to those who need it most. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community! 🌟❤️ #MakeADifferenceDay #HelpingPeople #ChaningLives

🌼🍄👉Helping needy people is a selfless act that can bring joy and purpose to both the giver and receiver. Here are some ways to help needy people: 1. 🎉*Volunteer*: Offer your time and skills to organizations that support needy communities. 2. *🎉Donate*: Provide financial support to reputable charities and causes. 3. *🎉Food banks*: Contribute to food banks or start a food drive to help those struggling with hunger. 4. 🎉*Clothing and essentials*: Organize clothing drives or donate essential items like toiletries and blankets. 5. 🎉*Mentorship*: Share your expertise and guidance with those seeking to improve their lives. 6. *🎉Advocacy*: Raise awareness about social issues and support policies that benefit needy communities. 7. *🎉Community service*: Participate in local initiatives that address specific needs, like disaster relief or healthcare access. 8. 🎉*Education and skills training*: Help individuals acquire new skills to enhance their employability. 9. 🎉*Health and wellness*: Support access to medical care, mental health services, and wellness programs. 10. 🎉*Companionship*: Offer emotional support and friendship to those feeling lonely or isolated. Remember, every small act counts, and collective efforts can create significant positive change!👈🌺💥 #linkedin #comment #likeme #engage #follow #supportme #aseelanbibi

Donate a sleeping bag for #WorldHomelessDay 🌍 Every year on 10 October, WHD shines a light on the urgent need to support those living without the security of a home. It’s a day to reflect on how we can all play a role in helping to alleviate the hardships of homelessness. More and more people are becoming homeless for the first time and have no choice but to sleep outside while they’re being supported by places like Emmanuel House and waiting for accommodation to become available. It’s essential that people who are rough sleeping are able to access day centres like Emmanuel House, which provide warmth, respite, safety and community. We also give everyone who comes to our Winter Shelter, which re-opens next week, access to a camp bed, sleeping bag and pillow, as well as food, support and washing facilities. 🌟 Donate new or gently used sleeping bags: We accept sleeping bags of all sizes, but warm, insulated and waterproof varieties are especially useful for those sleeping outside. Please ensure they are clean and in good condition, as we don’t have the capacity to wash donations. You can drop them off directly at our support centre, Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm at 53–61 Goose Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1FE. You can also order one online and get it delivered to us, or order one from our Amazon Wishlist https://lnkd.in/eN6zjhZ 🌟 Spread the word: Not everyone may be in a position to donate, but sharing our message can reach others who are. Share this post, spread the word, or talk to friends and colleagues about supporting us. 🌟 Organize a sleeping bag drive: Consider organising a community collection drive, whether through your workplace, school or local group. Let’s come together on World Homeless Day to make a real difference to the lives of those who are homeless. A small gesture, like donating a sleeping bag, can have a huge impact on someone’s ability to stay warm and safe during the colder months. Together, we can create a community that cares for its most vulnerable people.

We need alternatives to traditional charities when it comes to accessing food. I’ve personally experienced the challenges of navigating these services in Australia — cutting through the red tape can often feel overwhelming and, let’s be honest, downright humiliating, at least it was for me. I'll never forget the shame I felt sitting across from a panel of three complete strangers who seemed to be doing well in life and explain my disaster of a life and why I needed help to feed my family 😔 Many people don’t meet the thresholds for assistance or may feel too ashamed to reach out for help. That’s why uForage is here to change this! 🌍💚 With uForage, you can access food without the need for financial disclosures or intimate details about your circumstances. We’re all about community support, encouraging sharing, and breaking down barriers to ensure everyone gets the nourishment they deserve. It's a personal mission for us to foster a culture of dignity and support one another in making food accessible for all. Join the movement today—download uForage and be part of the solution! 💚 Download on Android: https://lnkd.in/ge6THNQP 💚 Download on iPhone: https://lnkd.in/gtYMpMQB #uForage #FoodAccess #SupportLocal #Community #EndHunger #SustainableSolutions #FoodSecurity

💝🌟Helping needy people is a selfless act that can bring joy and purpose to both the giver and receiver. Here are some ways to help needy people: 1. *💥Volunteer*: Offer your time and skills to organizations that support needy communities. 2. 💥*Donate*: Provide financial support to reputable charities and causes. 3💥. *Food banks*: Contribute to food banks or start a food drive to help those struggling with hunger. 4. 💥*Clothing and essentials*: Organize clothing drives or donate essential items like toiletries and blankets. 5.💥 *Mentorship*: Share your expertise and guidance with those seeking to improve their lives. 6💥. *Advocacy*: Raise awareness about social issues and support policies that benefit needy communities. 7.💥 *Community service*: Participate in local initiatives that address specific needs, like disaster relief or healthcare access. 8💥. *Education and skills training*: Help individuals acquire new skills to enhance their employability. 9. 💥*Health and wellness*: Support access to medical care, mental health services, and wellness programs. 10. 💥*Companionship*: Offer emotional support and friendship to those feeling lonely or isolated. Remember, every small act counts, and collective efforts can create significant positive change!👈♥️ #linkedin #help #needy #kids #likeme #engage #follow #comment #support #aseelanbibi