Crisis in Grey Bruce | It's Our Problem and We Have to Solve It

Pic: An OSHARE volunteer prepares another meal for people in need at the Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort, October 9, 2024 (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

The Interwoven Crisis of Grey Bruce: Hunger, Affordability and Opoid Epidemic

This is a wake up call for all of us in Grey Bruce. Whether your an elected official, a government employee, an entrepreneur and a citizen.

Grey Bruce is grappling with multiple crises that are tightly interwoven. Local organizations like OSHaRE and The Salvation Army have seen food bank usage spike by 30%, and meal services increase five-fold, as discussed here.

Alongside this, the community is also facing an opioid crisis, highlighted by three recent overdoses in just three days, prompting a public health alert from Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH).

These two issues—hunger and addiction—are deeply connected to broader affordability challenges. With living costs soaring, many individuals are forced into difficult decisions between basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.

Those battling addiction are especially vulnerable, often trapped in a cycle of poverty and food insecurity. While relief agencies work tirelessly, local leaders stress that charity cannot fix systemic issues alone.

Organizations providing food aid, such as Owen Sound’s food banks, are overwhelmed. They report record demand, feeding more people than ever before. At the same time, the opioid crisis continues to claim lives, a situation exacerbated by dangerous substances like fentanyl.

Addressing these interconnected crises requires more than donations or temporary aid—it demands systemic change.

Advocates are pushing for measures like a living wage, better social assistance, and increased access to healthcare, including addiction treatment, as a long-term solution to these challenges.

What Entrepreneurs Can Do to Help

Entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to make a difference in Grey Bruce by contributing both resources and innovative solutions.

Here’s how:

1. Support Local Charities: Partner with food banks or organizations like OSHaRE to offer financial contributions or in-kind donations. For example, sponsoring meal programs or providing supplies. Lakeshore Recreation (client) is participating in the the Chantry Island Cham-bettes Sharecrows Tour Oct 20 - 31, 2024.

   

   Lakeshore Recreation Fall Food Drive

2. Create Living Wage Jobs: As business owners, paying a living wage can directly impact affordability and reduce reliance on food banks.

   
   

3. Promote Social Initiatives: Use your business to raise awareness of local crises, fundraise, or run community events focused on harm reduction or poverty alleviation.

   
   

4. Offer Employee Assistance Programs: Providing resources for mental health and addiction support within your business could help employees or community members battling opioid addiction.

   
   

These actions not only support the community but also align businesses with social responsibility goals, improving long-term resilience in Grey Bruce.

What UN SDG goals are not being addressed in

Grey Bruce?

Several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not being fully addressed in Grey Bruce:

1. Goal 1: No Poverty – Rising food insecurity and housing affordability challenges indicate growing poverty, with many relying on food banks and charity for basic needs.

   
   

2. Goal 2: Zero Hunger – The increasing demand for meal services highlights a lack of access to nutritious food.

   
   

3. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The opioid crisis underscores gaps in mental health and addiction services, affecting overall community health.

   
   

4. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Many individuals struggle with low wages, contributing to affordability issues.

   
   

These gaps reveal an urgent need for systemic change to improve the region’s social and economic landscape.

Call to Action Support is vital for sustaining local initiatives. However, the ultimate goal must be broader reforms to tackle the root causes of hunger, addiction, and affordability in Grey Bruce.

About the Author

Chris Herbert spearheads Mi6 Agency, emphasizing small business growth and entrepreneurship. On the agency's blog, he offers practical marketing insights and solutions to unique challenges faced by businesses. Herbert advocates for sustainable and responsible growth. His "Rural Entrepreneur Podcast" extends this mission, providing essential advice and experiences for entrepreneurs. He adopts a comprehensive approach, focusing on building sustainable businesses, community engagement, and active participation in entrepreneurial ventures.