VANCOUVER, Coast Salish Territory -  A new group dedicated to ending hunger and malnutrition hit the Vancouver streets today. More than a dozen members of the Neighbourhood Action Food Group gathered outside the BC Social Development Office on Commercial before marching to NDP MLA Jenny Kwan’s Office.

The protesters called for increases to welfare, disability, and minimum wage "as the key policy changes that could put an end to hunger and malnutrition" in BC.

Group members say that the food proportions provide inequalities to the low-income population with little dignity. "The process to distribute community foods with past expiration dates is still occurring within large food charitable groups.  This is not being practiced by upholding the Regulation of Food safety laws and policies.

"Canada is signatory to the international Human Right to Food, yet the province of British Columbia legislates housing and income measures that directly contravene this human right. According to the Dieticians of Canada, it takes over 60$ of income for an individual to purchase food for an adequate diet per week. Yet, income assistance rates amount to less than half this, disability rates don’t allow for it, and families on low-wages struggle to provide this too." 

The Neighbourhood Action Food Group is calling for:

- Higher wages, welfare & disability rates in order to eat and live with dignity 
- Food equality & education 
- More affordable food Stores.
- Stop gentrifying the community with fancy restaurants & condos.
- SRO'S should have proper regulations on Cooking facilities and kitchen
- More community gardens/rooftop gardens within the community.
- More Community Kitchens in SRO'S for people are in isolation. 
- Addressing dietary supplements and sensitivity. 
- All food providers to step up to provide good quality foods. 
- An end to food charities line-ups that are "revolving doors like an assembling line."