Mississauga Foodbank sees large increase in first time users

COVID-19 is being blamed for a drastic increase in demand at the Mississauga Foodbank.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie reports the foodbank has seen a 138 percent increase in people who are accessing the service for the first time.

“This breaks my heart,” the mayor said during a public briefing.

Crombie used this backdrop to launch the annual Mayor’s Thanksgiving Food Drive with the goal this year of raising $250,000 and 175,000 lbs. of food.

The mayor said traditionally the drive has been successful in reaching its goals, but she stressed the need is even greater this year as the pandemic has put an even heavier burden on those who have lost their jobs or are on a fixed income.

More details about this year’s food drive will be revealed in the days ahead.