RESPONSES TO FOOD INSECURITY IN THE CHANGING CANADIAN WELFARE-STATE

In the post-Depression era, Canada developed as a welfare state. Howev er, the past 15 years have been characterized by high levels of povert y and unemployment. With the gradual erosion of social programs, a var iety of ad hoc, community-based programs have emerged in response to p roblems of poverty. These include food assistance programs and self-he lp and community development initiatives designed to improve the food situations of the poor. Current economic, social, and political trends suggest increasing hardship for low-income groups and highlight the n eed for a critical appraisal of food and nutrition programs within thi s broader context.