In collaboration with Black People United and the Leftovers Foundation, Afros In Tha City will present a three-part series on food insecurity, specifically as it pertains to refugee claimants – a highly invisible and unprotected social class.

There are many misconceptions about refugee claimants, specifically when it comes to accessing social services. The purpose of this series is to dispel these misconceptions, while also shedding light on two key local organizations who are tackling the issue of food insecurity here in Calgary.

I had the privilege of speaking to local organizers, as well as the refugee claimants themselves, in order to learn about mutual aid, the limitations of our social services, and of course, the ways in which the lives of those who face food insecurity are impacted. My interviews were both insightful and disappointing at times. If food is a basic need, unrestricted access is the bare minimum.

This month, I will share the stories of three refugee claimants who I am grateful trusted me enough with their words. In February, you’ll read a profile of Black People United, a grassroots mutual-aid collective. And last, in March, you’ll read about the Leftovers Foundation – a food rescue and upcycling non-profit organization.