According to a report on household hunger in Canada, four million Canadians, including more than one million children, has experienced some level of food insecurity. That represents about 13 per cent of all households in the country. 
And there’s a growing body of evidence that draws a clearer connection between food security and mental health.
Individuals experiencing food insecurity have reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, irritability, social isolation, and impaired cognitive abilities. This has serious implications for an individual’s overall health and, highlights the need for more comprehensive health care services that address both the physical and mental health care needs of those suffering from food insecurity.
For these reasons, Canadians and the global community commemorated World Food Day on October 16, 2014. World Food Day is an annual event created by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1981 to increase awareness of hunger and poverty.
This year’s theme was family farming and the significant contributions small farmers make to reducing hunger and poverty. Read more about the global event on the FAO’s website.
Many organizations across the country marked World Food Day in Canada. Read more about specific events that were held on Food Secure Canada’s website.