Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
Thanks to the witnesses for their attendance today.
Mr. MacKeigan, maybe I could start with you.
Some might wonder why any level of government would contribute to food security-related issues. Historically, those services were provided by the non-profit and charitable sectors, starting decades ago in church basements and gravitating to where they are today.
One thing I learned coming out of the great recession of 2009-10 is that governments are needed to assist with food security issues. When I looked to open a food bank back in 2011-12, there were no government supports to be had. I turned to my city council colleagues to open a food bank in my area, and they provided half a million dollars in capital and operating support to establish a pilot program. Your organization helped with that, and you continue to operate that food bank today. I want to publicly thank you for those efforts.
However, I realized that governments really weren't involved. One thing I've learned over the years since that time is that it requires an all-of-government approach to assist with food security issues. Mr. Mansfield talked about support from his provincial government. I just referenced support from my municipal council colleagues, and today we're now proposing federal assistance for the same issue.
Can you talk about the increasing need for government support, especially coming out of the pandemic? We've heard about declining corporate support. Volunteerism is down across the board. Can you talk about the support required from all levels of government to address food security, especially for children?