2.7 million of Canadians do not know where their next meal is coming from, as reported by the 2009 Hunger Count report. Meal Exchange* is inviting all Canadians to take action against this harsh reality by taking the Grocery Cart Challenge in support of the National Hunger Awareness Day organized by Food Banks Canada on June 1, 2010. ^.The Grocery Cart Challenge officially kicks off on May 25^th, challenging Canadians to raise $5,000 by June 18^th to fight hunger in their own backyards.

Though economists argue the state of Canadian economy is looking optimistic, fundamental changes are necessary to help the 2.7 million of Canadians that are currently struggling to get enough to eat.  Recent economic tides have contributed to the largest year-over-year increase of 18 % in Canadian food bank use in 2009 and yet 31% of food banks do not have enough to meet the need (Hunger Count 2009). To reduce the pressure exerted on the food banks, Meal Exchange’s call to action suggests a long term local solution to the national problem. Meal Exchange looks to the youth to lead Canada towards a future where everyone is food secure. Since 1993, Meal Exchange youth have raised $2.4 million worth of food which translates to 960,000 meals for those in need. The money raised from the Grocery Cart Challenge will enable more youth to become involved, implement more locally based solutions, and provide more meals to address local hunger.

*Meal Exchange (MX) is a national student-founded, student-driven, registered charity that helps young Canadians realize their potential to improve the future of communities, through meaningful opportunities to reduce local hunger. Meal Exchange offers students in universities, colleges and secondary schools fun and creative programs that blend student energy and passion with their strengths and capacities as youth leaders. For more information visit www.mealexchange.ca