Food banks across Canada are begging to be put out of business [Video]

Josh Smee imagines a future in which food banks no longer exist in Canada, because people don’t need them.

“Food banks as an organization are about as old as I am,” Smee, the CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador charity Food First NL, told As It Happens host Nil Köksal.

“It feels like we’ve had this model forever, but we haven’t. It doesn’t have to be here.”

Food First NL is one of several food charities across Canada who have signed onto a campaign called “Put Food Banks Out of Business.”

Launched by the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, it calls on Canadians donating to food banks this holiday season to also reach out to their local members of Parliament to advocate for the implementation of  basic income to keep people above the poverty line.

“I think one of the most important gifts we can give alongside cash is the gift of our voice,” Smee said. 

They’re …