Food Insecurity

Understanding Food Insecurity in Immigrant and Vulnerable Communities

Food insecurity affects individuals and families who lack consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. In Vancouver, this issue disproportionately impacts:

• Refugees and newcomers adjusting to life in Canada

• Immigrants facing employment or language barriers

• Seniors living on fixed or limited incomes

• Youth and students from low-income households

• Families experiencing housing instability or rising living costs

For many newcomers and refugees, food insecurity is compounded by unfamiliar food systems, cultural food needs, and limited social networks. Seniors and vulnerable families often face similar challenges due to inflation, health concerns, and isolation.

DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation addresses these realities through community-based, culturally responsive food insecurity services that meet people where they are.

 

Our Food Insecurity Programs and Services

Our programs focus on prevention, access, and dignity, ensuring individuals receive not only food but also respect and support.

Emergency Food Support

We provide timely food assistance to individuals and families experiencing immediate hardship. This includes culturally appropriate food options that reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Community Food Distribution & Pop-Up Food Drives

Through regular food distributions and pop-up community food drives, we reduce hunger while fostering connection, inclusion, and trust within immigrant and newcomer communities.

Support for Seniors and Isolated Individuals

Our food insecurity services support seniors who may face mobility challenges, social isolation, or financial constraints—helping them maintain independence and dignity.

Youth and Family Food Security Initiatives

We support families and youth with nutritious food access that contributes to healthy development, academic success, and overall well-being.

 

Newcomer & Refugee Food Support

We recognize the importance of culturally familiar foods. Our programs are designed to respect traditions, dietary needs, and cultural identities, ensuring newcomers feel welcomed and supported.

A Dignified, Community-Led Approach

At DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation, food insecurity solutions are community-led and relationship-driven. We work closely with community members, volunteers, local partners, and donors to ensure our services remain relevant, accessible, and impactful.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Cultural respect and inclusion

• Trauma-informed and preventative support

• Community engagement and empowerment

• Transparency and accountability

We do not view food support as charity alone—but as a pathway to health, stability, and opportunity.

Who We Serve

Our food insecurity programs support:

• Immigrants and refugees

• Newcomers to Canada

• Seniors and elderly individuals

• Youth and children

• Low-income and vulnerable families

Services are delivered across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the Lower Mainland, with a strong focus on underserved neighborhoods.

Creating Lasting Impact Beyond Food

Food security is closely linked to:

• Physical and mental health

• Academic and employment outcomes

• Social inclusion and belonging

• Community resilience

By addressing food insecurity, we help reduce stress, improve health outcomes, and support long-term stability for those we serve. Our programs create ripple effects that strengthening families, neighborhoods, and communities.

How You Can Help Fight Food Insecurity in Vancouver

Community impact is only possible with collective support. You can help by:

• Making a financial donation

• Partnering with us as a community organization or business

• Volunteering your time

• Sharing our mission with others

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Every contribution helps us reach more people and respond to growing needs.
👉 Support our food insecurity programs:    https://www.helphands.org/donate

About DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation

DuMonde Helping Hands Foundation is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations through food security, community outreach, and capacity-building initiatives. We serve diverse communities with compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.