Campaign aims to draw attention to growing food bank reliance in Mississauga

Food Banks Mississauga is joining forces with the City of Mississauga to heighten awareness of the increasing need to feed those who are hungry.

A joint press conference is scheduled for this Wednesday, Nov. 13 in the hope that renewed attention to the cause can increase support to draw more resources from senior levels of government.

According to Food Banks Mississauga, food insecurity continues to rise with one in 13 Mississauga residents now relying on food banks.

The recent Thanksgiving food drive raised $844,892 in financial contributions, but the amount still can’t keep pace with the demand to purchase food for clients.

“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 at the end of the drive. “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.”

Mayor Carolyn Parrish has 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 about the Thanksgiving food drive. “Let’s continue to work together for a city where no one goes hungry.”

The press conference takes place at city hall starting at 1:30 p.m.

Food Banks Mississauga heads up a network of more than 60 community agencies that help supply food to local residents.