Widely celebrated in Canada, Thanksgiving is a civic holiday centred around being thankful for what we have. Though the theme of Thanksgiving has stayed the same, the traditions and customs have evolved over time.
Often mistaken as a holiday tied to a religion, Thanksgiving first started as a time to celebrate a bountiful harvest. While European settlers brought their own traditions of feasting to celebrate safe passage, Indigenous peoples have been celebrating the fall harvest for generations across Turtle Island (North America). Their traditions, rooted in connection to the land and community, shaped the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Today, Thanksgiving celebrations have evolved beyond celebrating the fall harvest, with diverse and varied traditions. In Mississauga, neighbours have incorporated elements of their cultural heritage into the holiday. This might be preparing traditional dishes or participating in cultural activities that folks bring over from their homeland. No matter how Thanksgiving is celebrated, it remains a time to express our appreciation for life and others and gather around familiar and favourite foods.
As we reflect on the past and present of Thanksgiving, and give thanks, we are reminded of the abundance we have and can share with others. Food Banks Mississauga provided food support to 1 in 13 Mississauga residents last year – that’s over 56,000 neighbours, almost 8% of the entire city’s population. Your neighbours need you this Thanksgiving. As you appreciate the gifts in your life, consider making a gift to our Thanksgiving Drive. You can help provide the warmth of a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal to your neighbours facing food insecurity in all corners of the city.
A grateful heart is a giving heart.
Recently, our team at Food Banks Mississauga shared what Thanksgiving means to them!
@foodbanksmississauga People celebrate Thanksgiving in a variety of ways (just ask our team at Food Banks Mississauga!) but our favourite way to show gratitude is by giving back to those in need in our community. With our Thanksgiving Drive, you can express your thankfulness by ensuring your neighbours experiencing food insecurity have access to nutritious food. 🌽🥘🍎 #ThanksgivingDrive #foodbank #foodbanking #foodbanksmississauga #mississauga #thanksgiving #foodbanks #foodsecurity #mississaugaontario ♬ original sound – Food Banks Mississauga
