Two years ago, in September 2015, 193 world leaders set 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development with hopes of ending extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by the year 2030. Basically, they hoped to utterly transform our world.
These are some serious goals and they require us to work together. The leaders agreed to shape policies to align with the Global Goals, and indeed government cooperation is important, but government efforts alone will not be enough to succeed. In fact, with the inevitable changes in government and now with unprecedented changes in global order, the responsibility of accomplishing these goals cannot be left to government alone.
We need to take collective action. World leaders, international organizations, and you and me, we’re all crucial for the success of these goals.
Here at home, we have Seva Food Bank, a not-for profit charitable organization that serves the Mississauga communities of Malton and Wolfedale, doing its part. Their mission to positively impact local communities is grounded in the basic Sikh tenets of sarbat da Bhalla (the wellbeing of all), chardi kala (eternal optimism) and seva (selfless service), which nicely parallel the Global Goals objectives.
Specifically through their work, Seva Food Bank is tackling Global Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, which aims to end global hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Hunger and food insecurity isn’t something that happens “over there”, it’s also a very Canadian problem. Their two locations “are hubs of energy and collaboration for the community” where a diverse groups of volunteers come together to combat food insecurity for their neighbours. Supported primarily through government grants and generous donations from the community, Seva Food Bank provides safe, nutritious and culturally-appropriate food and coordinates a wide-range of programs that help their clients – low-income families – to address the causes and consequences of hunger and poverty.
Here’s what you can do now:
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Donate! You can support the cause you care about through money or food donations.
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Volunteer your time. Step up to the plate and walk the walk.
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Spread the word! Share on social media. If you see an awesome post about fighting food insecurity share it so that your whole network can see it.
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Use your voice. Write your MP, MPP, or your Mayor, better yet, pay them a visit. Food insecurity, poverty are systemic issues and we need stronger policies in place. So go to the town halls, write a blog post, and take your family, friends, and neighbours with you. Tell someone – communicate.
We have 13 years of hard work ahead of us. Join the movement!
To find out more about how you can get involved, please visit www.sevafoodbank.com.
