Trent University has published a new community report, titled “From Crisis to Continuity: A community response to local food systems challenges in, and beyond the days of COVID-19”. This study heard from Peterborough-area residents and food support organizations regarding the ways that residents have been accessing and engaging with food during the pandemic- and how organizations have been responding during this time to food access needs. Impacts were experienced unequally among local residents, with more severe consequences for already-marginalized populations.
Organizations began to observe increased food insecurity, housing insecurity, mental health issues, social isolation, and substance use issues among the people they serve. With limited resources and increased challenges, organizations quickly restructured their supports to safely address the most acute needs of residents while maintaining a focus on more sustainable solutions to food inequities.
Read the full report here.