York Region Food Network seeks to be an acknowledged and respected centre for the promotion of food security – a healthy, accessible and sustainable food system in York Region. In support of this vision, YRFN works to raise public awareness on the many issues affecting food security such as affordable housing, adequate employment, education, accessible childcare and social assistance policies through programming, outreach and advocacy initiatives.
York Region Food NetworkFOOD FOR HEALTH - FOOD FOR ALLFood security is defined as a situation in which all people obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes self-reliance and social justice. (Hamm and Bellows, J Nutr Educ Behav. 2003; 35:27-43)Food Insecurity: the inadequate or insecure access to adequate food due to financial constraints.Tarasuk, V, Mitchell, A, Dachner, N. Research to identify policy options to reduce food insecurity (PROOF). (2013). Household food insecurity in Canada 2011.
In 1903, a Cincinnati businessman looked out his office window and noticed a little boy searching through some garbage for food. The man, Irving Westheimer, invited the boy, Tom, to a decent lunch. When he took Tom home and saw his family's appalling conditions, Westheimer offered the boy's widowed mother and oldest sister jobs in his factory. As the friendship between man and boy flourished, Irving convinced other men at his club to begin similar relationships. It was one of these boys who coined the phrase Big Brother. In December 1970, Big Brothers of York was incorporated. Its mandate was to provide boys from father-absent homes with friendship by matching them with Big Brothers. Serving the communities of Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Newmarket, Aurora, King, East Gwillimbury, Georgina and Whitchurch-Stouffville, as well as Bradford West Gwillimbury, Big Brothers Big Sisters of York today offers five quality mentoring programs to the Region's children. These programs help children who, with some extra attention, can strive to achieve their full potential and grow into adults who will contribute positively to society. Community supportand staff-driven fundraising events provide the major portion of the funding that enables the Agency to advocate on behalf of York Region and Bradford West Gwillimbury's children.
Launched in 1980 by a caring group of community members, CHATS originated as a grassroots not-for-profit charitable organization that provided a few basic services to help seniors to continue living in their own homes. Over the years, CHATS has grown and evolved, and now offers a full range of home care and community programs that meet the changing needs of more than 7,400 York Region and South Simcoe seniors and caregivers each year.Under the strong experience and knowledge of more than 580 volunteers, a Board of Directors, and 220 staff, CHATS embraces professional best practices in home care and our other services with caring, compassionate dedication. This unique combination ultimately benefits our clients, our community partners, and the community overall. Our quality achievements and service delivery model have been commended by Accreditation Canada.