$845K raised by food bank provides ‘temporary’ relief for Mississauga residents in need

Food bank officials in Mississauga say their just-completed fall drive raised more money than last year’s effort, but it’s still significantly less than what’s needed to address the “crisis” in Canada’s seventh-largest city.

Food Banks Mississauga, the city’s largest such organization, collected $844,892 in its latest Thanksgiving Drive, which ran from Sept. 9 until this past Monday. The agency’s goal was $800,000.

Officials said the amount raised is an eight per cent increase over the fall 2023 effort, when $783,963 was collected, well off the organization’s $1 million goal.

While the Thanksgiving Drive brought in essential funds, “the increasing need is unwavering,” food bank officials said in a news release on Wednesday.

“The relief we provide is much-needed, but temporary. The rising cost of living and underfunded social assistance programs are keeping our neighbours from making ends meet,” said Food Banks Mississauga CEO Meghan Nicholls. “We’re seeing more folks with employment turn to us, including former donors. While we advocate for long-term solutions, we can continue providing emergency food support because of (the community’s) generosity.”

Food bank officials noted Mississauga “is experiencing a growing food insecurity crisis wherein over 56,000 residents, including almost 16,000 children, are turning to a food bank.”

Food Banks Mississauga CEO Meghan Nicholls recently delivered an update to city councillors on the fast-growing need for food bank services in Mississauga.

That’s a 58 per cent increase from 2023 numbers, officials said, adding the growing use of food banks is “outpacing the donations received.”

Mayor Carolyn Parrish described the growing need in Mississauga as “alarming” and said food banks need more community support than ever before.

“While the goal was achieved, the growing rate of our city’s food bank usage is alarming,” she said. “Let’s continue to work together for a city where no one goes hungry.

“I’m extremely thankful to our community for their generosity during Food Banks Mississauga’s Thanksgiving Drive. This collective effort reminds us of the positive impact we can make when we come together.”

Just over two weeks ago, Food Banks Mississauga officials expressed concern they might not achieve their 2024 Thanksgiving Drive goal.

On Oct. 7, with two weeks left in the drive, they put out an “urgent call for donations” as they were only 52 per cent of the way to the $800,000 mark.

Officials said with the money raised this fall, Food Banks Mississauga can provide “healthy fresh, frozen and shelf-stable food for over 844,000 meals to neighbours in need across the city.”

Food Banks Mississauga heads up a network of more than 60 community agencies, officials say, adding Mississauga experienced the largest growth in food bank usage in all of Ontario and Canada last year, and it continues to rise.