Food bank use has tripled in recent years in Mississauga; $800K the goal of fall drive

As they launch their annual Thanksgiving Drive, officials at Food Banks Mississauga say the need in Canada’s seventh-largest city has nearly tripled in recent years to reach “historic highs.”

The city’s largest food bank, which heads up a network of more than 60 community agencies, has set a goal of $800,000 for its 2024 Thanksgiving Drive, which begins this week and continues until Oct. 21. Last year’s fall drive raised $783,963, significantly short of its $1 million goal.

“Just a few years ago, we were serving one in 37 Mississauga residents. Now, we’re serving one in 13,” Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga, said in a news release issued Monday. “The growing number of food bank visitors is a clear indication of the ongoing economic challenges facing many in our community and the lack of government action in improving social services. This fall, we’re bracing ourselves for a tidal wave of increased demand. As you prepare to gather around your Thanksgiving table and eat your family’s favourite foods, please think of your neighbours in need and donate to Food Banks Mississauga.”

Food bank officials describe the goal of this fall’s drive as an “ambitious, yet vital” one. The lofty objective, they said, reflects “the growing food insecurity crisis as the number of Mississauga residents living with food insecurity increased by 58 per cent” in the past year or so.

Food Banks Mississauga CEO Meghan Nicholls, here addressing city council last October, says food insecurity in Mississauga has hit “historic highs.”

“Last year, over 56,000 neighbours turned to the organization and its network … for food support,” officials said, adding the need has reached “historic highs.”

Keurig Dr Pepper Canada is sponsoring the food bank’s 2024 Thanksgiving Drive.

Officials with the charitable organization note Thanksgiving is celebrated in various ways “in our diverse community,” but the meaning is much the same.

“As you prepare to gather around a full table and give thanks, please think of your neighbours living with food insecurity,” they said. “For every $1 donated, Food Banks Mississauga can provide healthy and appropriate food for one meal to neighbours in need.”

FBM officials say people can help out in various ways, including financial donations. For more information on donating and helping in other ways, visit Food Banks Mississauga.

FBM’s latest Annual Impact Report, released last October, showed the organization at that time provided meals for 82 per cent more people than it did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.