Turning Insight into Action
Food for Life is committed to continual improvement through in-house research that ensures our programs meet the evolving needs of our Halton and Hamilton communities. We understand impact as more than pounds of food distributed — it’s the holistic changes to health, financial stability, and social well being that come from access to fresh, nutritious food. Because food and nutrition shape every facet of life, we listen to our neighbours, partners, and volunteers to guide how we adapt, enhance, and evaluate our programs. Using tools like the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), we deepen our understanding of food insecurity and measure meaningful progress over time.
Food for Life also leads sector-wide efforts to advance food security, setting best practices and advocating for change in the areas that most affect our neighbours — income inequity, affordable housing, and overall quality of life. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all research, ensuring that every step respects community voices and experiences. The insights we gather drive practical improvements across our operations and inform organizational policies. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, we’re helping to build a more equitable, sustainable food system that supports both immediate needs and long-term health outcomes.
Explore the stories and findings from our research with neighbours and partners below.
Listening and Learning from Our Neighbours
Every year, Food for Life listens and learns directly from the people we serve through our Neighbour Impact Survey.
Through our neighbour responses we explore:
- Access to food – how neighbours are finding and receiving the food they need.
- Health and well-being – the connection between low-barrier access to nutritious food and improved physical and mental health.
- Social connection – how sharing food helps build belonging and community.
- Financial stability – how access to Food for Life programs helps neighbours stretch their limited income to cover other essential needs.
- Barriers to food security – what gets in the way of having enough food.
The stories and insights shared by our neighbours:
- Guide how we shape our programs.
- Inspire new ideas and community partnerships.
- Ensure our work reflects the real strengths and needs of our community.
- Strengthen our ability to advocate for systemic change — addressing the root causes of poverty, hunger, and income insecurity in ways grounded in our neighbours’ voices and lived experiences.
Partnering for Impact
Twice a year, Food for Life connects with our Agency Partners through our Agency Satisfaction Survey to listen, learn, and strengthen how we work together.
Through our Agency Partner Survey, we explore:
- Food quality and variety – ensuring nutritious and dignified food support.
- Communication and collaboration – building stronger connections.
- Logistics and capacity – understanding what’s working and where we can grow.
The insights shared by our partners:
- Deepen our understanding of food security across the community and the impacts on our neighbours.
- Drive improvements in how rescued food is shared and how we respond to the opportunities and challenges of working with rescued food.
- Strengthen collective efforts to support our neighbours with care and dignity.
See Our Deep Impact in Your Community
Looking at the full picture in each community, we see the remarkable difference rescued food, partnership, and care are making. These reports highlight how Food for Life’s programs are supporting neighbours, strengthening connections, and creating meaningful change close to home.