Food Insecurity is a Growing Crisis as More People Turn to Food Banks in Mississauga
Food Banks Mississauga tries to keep up with increased demand, but only 52% towards their Thanksgiving Drive goal
There is a growing food insecurity crisis in Mississauga. Food Banks Mississauga experienced the largest growth in food bank usage in all of Ontario last year and it continues to rise. With only 52% raised of their Thanksgiving Drive goal of $800,000, they need your help to ensure neighbours in need have healthy food on the table. This ambitious yet vital goal reflects the growing crisis as the number of Mississauga residents who turned to a food bank increased by 58%, compared to the provincial increase of 25%.
“It is disheartening to hear from Food Banks Mississauga how many in our city are in need of food support and the alarming rate at which food bank usage continues to grow,” says Mayor Carolyn Parrish. “That is why this Thanksgiving, our city’s residents need your support more than ever. Your gift will ensure our neighbours have food on their tables. I’ve seen time and time again how our city comes together to help each other and I hope that as you prepare to gather with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, you will think of your neighbours in need and donate to show them the support and generosity our community is known for.”
In the recent release of their Annual Impact Report, Food Banks Mississauga reported that 1 in 13 Mississauga residents now use a food bank, with almost a third being children. Residents made over 421,000 visits to a food bank last year, which is 80% more than the previous year.
“We are experiencing a tidal wave of demand and we are worried about the future,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga. “We can’t endlessly increase our capacity; there is a ceiling, and we will hit it. What will happen when we can no longer provide food support to the 56,000+ people, to the 16,000 children in Mississauga who rely on our services? These numbers keep increasing and you can help this Thanksgiving. Please think about your neighbours who don’t have enough food in the fridge to feed themselves or their families on a regular basis, let alone indulge in a Thanksgiving meal. When you make a gift today, you help ensure your neighbours have food on the table.”
The Thanksgiving Drive runs until October 21, 2024. For every $1 donated, Food Banks Mississauga can provide healthy and appropriate food for 1 meal to neighbours in need.
The 2024 Thanksgiving Drive is proudly sponsored by Keurig Dr Pepper Canada.
