 
Hunger in Toronto
Despite an improved economy and much on-paper prosperity, the need for food banks in Toronto is higher than it has been before — levels not seen since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
 
Preface /
As you will read on the following pages, insights surfaced from the annual Profile of Hunger in Toronto report by the Daily Bread, have revealed that food bank use has returned back to levels not seen since the height of the recession — with people also needing to access food banks for twice as long as they did in the past.
 
Findings /
990,970 visits from April 2016 to March 2017 to Daily Bread Food Bank member agencies.
Highest annual visit number in Toronto since 2010, when the effects of the 2008 recession hit.
9% higher food bank usage than 2016, and 24% higher than 2008.
Two years is the average length of time people need to access food banks, from an average of one year in 2010.
Statistics /  
990, 970 total client visits in Toronto
≈
825,180 visits to Daily Bread food bank member agencies 2.6 million meals served through meal programs
 
Demographics /
 
Trends /
older adults / The biggest demographic shift is the growth in the proportion of people 45 and up. In 2007, those 45 and up represented 29% of food bank clients; in 2017 they represent 35%.
newcomers / In 2007, 34% were newcomers; that number is now 26%. Dramatic increases in housing costs may mean Toronto is less of an “arrival city� for newcomers.
single parents / The majority of users who are single parents were women, and frequently mentioned lack of affordable child care as a barrier. The cost of raising a child, along with the cost of rent and daily living in Toronto, makes financial stability very difficult.
Survey Respondents /
"I often have to give up food to pay for rent and living expenses. I went without hydro and was cold for two months in order to pay rent."
“I would like to eat healthier but you can't do that on an old age pension. My rent went up $300.”
"I have coped by not eating well or sometimes I don't eat. Actually I don't eat about once a week because there are expenses for illnesses."
"I borrow money and get food from family, but I don't like being dependent on family. I do not like feeling like a burden."
 
Drivers / lack of income / The main driver of the need for food banks in Toronto is lack of income: provincial social assistance rates have fallen so far behind inflation that it is almost impossible to both eat and keep a roof over one’s head. The increasing precariousness of the labour market spells trouble for those trying to escape poverty, even during relatively prosperous times.
increasing cost of food / Food prices have continued to increase above inflation, with staples like rice, pasta and ground beef being considerably more expensive than they were a year ago. The rapid increase in food prices has created an added challenge for those with low incomes who were already budgeting, and for whom a shopping trip creates high levels of stress and anxiety.
the widening gap / Sacrificing food can cause or worsen poor physical health, deplete energy, and affect mental functioning. This level of deprivation not only creates costs at a personal level; health care costs for households that are severely food insecure are 121% higher than households that were not food insecure.
Research Question /
Given the diverse needs and complex issues facing Torontonians — how can we empower citizens — designing a solution for them to feed themselves?
Proposal /
vertical farming / Vertical farming is the practice of growing produce in vertically stacked layers. Vertical farms produce food in challenging environments, like in cities where affordable land is scarce.
aquaponics / Aquaponics is a sustainable method of farming. Using 90% less water than traditional farming methods, and combining aquaculture (fish cultivation) with hydroponics (plant cultivation without the use of soil) in a symbiotic environment.
reconnect kids to their food / Like other required school subjects — arts, english, math, and science — we can educate children on the importance of nutrition and gardening, reconnecting them with where their food comes from.
3/
Locally grown food represents a shift from the current global food model - resulting in the highest quality organic produce. With a small spatial footprint as you grow vertically, cyan brings nature back into the home.
4/
Created as a harmony between blue (water) and green (plants) - cyan empowers Torontonians to grow their own food harmoniously.
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fish produce waste in tank
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nutrient rich waste water is pumped up to plants
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plants filter waste water into clean water for fish
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cycle repeats