May 24, 2023
Canstruction Toronto is an annual charity event and exhibition that combines creativity, design, and philanthropy. It is part of the larger Canstruction International organization, which holds similar events in cities worldwide. Canstruction Toronto brings together teams of architects, engineers, designers, and students to create unique sculptures using canned food and other non-perishable food items.
The main objective of the event is to raise awareness about hunger and collect food donations for local food banks. Participating teams design and build structures entirely out of cans, following specific guidelines and themes. These structures can range from simple shapes to intricate and impressive works of art. Canstruction Toronto supports a worthy cause and encourages teamwork, creativity, and community engagement among professionals and students in the design and construction fields.
Our team's egg-ceptional design serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing issue of food insecurity faced by Torontonians. As food prices continue to soar, our sculpture shines a spotlight on the hardships endured by individuals and families throughout the city. With each carefully crafted detail, we hope to ignite a conversation and inspire collective action towards a future where access to affordable and nutritious food is a reality for all.
This year's Canstruction Toronto event raised 60,000 pounds of food, the second-largest contribution in the history of Canstruction TO. However, this achievement pales in comparison to the daily efforts of organizations like the Daily Bread Food Bank (DBFB). Since 1999, Canstruction Toronto has been a steadfast advocate in the fight against hunger, raising over 1.5 million pounds of food. Food insecurity is a major issue in Toronto, with food inflation and the housing crisis further limiting access to nutritious meals. To address this, advocacy, innovative solutions, and collaborative endeavors are needed. Together, we can strive towards a future where food insecurity is eradicated and every individual in Toronto has access to the sustenance they need.
The egg is possibly the most recognizable food. Its simplicity is what makes it egg-ceptional: a gold yolk, with a white surround, enveloped by a hard shell. Packaged with 11 of its friends, a dozen eggs is a staple of the fridge. It can be eaten on its own as a source of protein, paired with other ingredients to make hearty meals, or even eggs-quisite baking masterpieces! Though for many experiencing food insecurity, this essential may already be out of reach. The price of eggs has skyrocketed in recent months, with Statistics Canada reporting a price increase of 16.5% since last year. Economic analysts say that the only reason this number is not higher is because it was already very high to begin with! For struggling Torontonians, feeding a family nutritious foods has become egg-ceptionally difficult. Eggs are becoming an expensive luxury, eating up your money. But more importantly, the egg is prone to easily breaking, suggesting that food insecurity may not be such a tough egg to crack after all. With a bit of collaboration, creativity and egg-stra generosity, we can help those in need - so let’s get cracking! Get Crackin! Design Team
