Responses to food insecurity in the changing Canadian welfare state

In the post-Depression era, Canada developed as a welfare state. However, the past 15 years have been characterized by high levels of poverty and unemployment. With the gradual erosion of social programs, a variety of ad hoc, community-based programs have emerged in response to problems of poverty. These include food assistance programs and self-help and community development initiatives designed to improve the food situations of the poor. Current economic, social, and political trends suggest increasing hardship for low-income groups and highlight the need for a critical appraisal of food and nutrition programs within this broader context.