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Food Insecurity in Canada: A Single Mom’s Journey to CEO

Food Insecurity in Canada: A Single Mom’s Journey to CEO

Author: Lianne Castelino July 11, 2026 Duration: 33:37
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamilyHow ToParenting

What is food insecurity—and how does it impact children and families in Canada today?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization. Drawing from her lived experience as a single mother raising three children while facing poverty and food insecurity, Lori offers rare insight into what struggling families truly go through.

Parents will learn:

  • What food insecurity looks like inside a household
  • How financial stress affects parenting and child development
  • Why 1 in 4 Canadians struggle to afford food
  • The hidden emotional toll on both parents and children
  • Where families can find support beyond food banks

Nikkel explains why food insecurity is not about food shortages—but about income, affordability, and systemic challenges. She also shares practical advice and a hopeful message for parents navigating difficult times.

Takeaways:

  • Understanding the impacts of food insecurity on mental and emotional health is crucial for parents.
  • Effective communication and community support can help families navigate through challenges of food insecurity.
  • Food insecurity is not just about lack of food; it's deeply tied to income and economic stability.
  • Children need proper nutrition for their education and health, highlighting the importance of child nutrition programs.
  • The stigma surrounding food insecurity can prevent families from seeking help; connection is key.
  • It's important for parents to recognize that their struggles do not define their worth or their children's future.

This episode is essential listening for parents concerned about rising food costs, child well-being, and financial resilience in Canada.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Second Harvest

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com


Raising children in this era comes with a unique set of questions, and Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today is here to offer clarity, not just opinions. Hosted by award-winning journalist and mother Lianne Castelino, this weekly conversation moves beyond anecdotal advice to explore the science and research behind modern parenting. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a knowledgeable friend, one who brings in leading experts and thinkers to tackle the real issues families face. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating everything from the emotional turbulence of adolescence to building a foundation of healthy communication from a young age. The focus is on holistic development-addressing the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of both kids and their parents. Lianne’s skill as an interviewer helps distill complex topics into actionable insights, making this podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to ground their parenting choices in evidence and shared experience. It’s a space where the noise of conflicting advice fades, replaced by informed conversations that empower you to find your own path through the joys and challenges of family life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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