Community Mobilization Impact Snapshot
Community engagement initiatives that create opportunities for people to connect, build leadership, and work together toward a more just and food-secure community
WHAT WE KNOW
Food insecurity isn’t the result of individual choices or personal failure — it’s rooted in systems that create unequal access to resources and opportunities.
For food to be realized as a basic human right rather than a privilege for some, community members, organizations, and decision-makers must work together to address the root causes of poverty and inequity.
WHAT WE DO
Create opportunities for community members to connect and take action on issues that affect their lives and communities.
Support community leadership and civic engagement by creating pathways for people to share their experiences, contribute their perspectives, volunteer, and engage in collective action.
Centre and amplify the voices and lived experiences of those most affected by food insecurity, ensuring community priorities help inform advocacy efforts and decision-making.
Advocate for policies and systems that address the root causes of food insecurity, poverty, and social inequity.
Build partnerships across organizations and networks to advance the right to food and create lasting systems change at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
- Social Justice Committee
A drop-in citizen action committee that meets regularly to explore the issues that matter most to them — and how they can take action together.
- advocacy events
- Regional Advocay Network
- Volunteering
Weekly volunteer opportunities across The Depot’s programs that create meaningful ways for community members to contribute, connect with others, and play an active role in community life.
2025
social justice committee meetings
community members connected with decision-makers through Eat Think Vote events during federal and municipal elections.
publications released ahead of the elections
partners engaged in The Depot-led Regional Advocacy Network
hours contributed by 350+ volunteers
WHAT WE HEAR
2025
of Depot participants are more confident speaking up about social issues
of volunteers shared they feel a sense of belonging at The Depot
of volunteers say The Depot has given them a better understanding of people who’ve had different life experiences than them
“I was interested in joining the Social Justice Committee because I see what’s going on with housing and the cost of food. And instead of just being angry, I wanted to do something positive.”
“I find that being a volunteer there helps me see what it takes to build a community and what it takes to uphold that community.”
“[The Depot] has inspired me to reflect on and find [ways] to [take] action.”
“All the support you’ve given to our organization and all the work and advocacy you do with Right To Food truly helps more than you know.”
-Regional Advocacy Network member
ADVANCING OUR IMPACT
At The Depot, people have immediate access to fresh, nourishing, and culturally diverse food. They build skills, improve their health, make social connections, and contribute to their communities. They also have the opportunity to engage in advocacy work that raises awareness and addresses the systemic barriers to realizing of food as a basic human right.
our Community Mobilization Programs...
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BUILD COMMUNITY AND LONG-TERM HEALTH
by creating spaces for connection and learning.
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WORK ON DISMANTLING THE STRUCTURAL BARRIERS THAT CREATE FOOD INSECURITY
by centring lived experience, fostering collective action, and advocating for equitable policies and systems change.
