A message from our CEO
Chris Hatch
During my first year and a half as CEO of Food Banks Canada, I concentrated on learning and listening. Although I have extensive food banking experience as the former Executive Director of The Mississauga Food Bank, I have a new appreciation for the variety and depth of dedication among the Canadian network of food banks, agencies and Provincial Associations. From small rural food banks open a couple of days a week and run solely by volunteers to highly sophisticated and innovative food banks serving large urban areas, no two are alike. However, everyone shares a deep compassion towards the people they serve and a dedication to addressing the unacceptable levels of persistent food insecurity in Canada.
I am pleased to report that we have successfully completed year one of our three year strategic plan and are seeing the positive results and impact of working collaboratively across the food bank network. Together, an array of experiences and insights are being shared that benefit all of us. Food Banks Canada has leveraged that expertise by launching Ignite, our shared learning platform which allows food bankers to easily communicate and exchange their knowledge and insights with each other. All of this with the goal of continuing to build our collective strengths in order to maximize our impact.
On a personal note, I have had the chance to see many different food banks across the country and meet with hundreds of dedicated food bankers. I’m moved by the personal dedication, energy, and compassion I see in every organization. These are people, sometimes volunteers, who are devoting their lives to make sure no one goes hungry. It was also inspiring to see food banks addressing not only the important emergency food needs of clients, but also their longer term needs. Many food banks are serving as community hubs offering services to clients beyond food such as help with employment, housing, healthcare, financial management and skills building…to name a few.
Food banking continues to evolve to address the challenging and changing needs of clients and the social, economic and political circumstances in each province and municipality. I’m very encouraged and thankful for your willingness to work along with us with transparency, integrity and trust to address hunger and food insecurity.
Now, more than ever, I’m encouraged when I think of the road ahead. I can see through our supportive donors and our dedicated staff, board and food bank network; that there is a shared focus and priority to achieving our vision of a Canada where no one goes hungry.
Chris Hatch
CEO
Food Banks Canada
