Goal is to raise $800K by Oct. 17 to address growing need after record-breaking year
Food Banks Mississauga has launched its Thanksgiving drive as food bank usage climbs in the city beyond what the organization says was a record-breaking year for visits from people in need.
Almost 49,000 people in need made more than 503,000 visits to the organization and its network of food programs last year — the most visits ever in the organization's history, says Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga.
"People who access food support, they are needing it more frequently, they're relying on it longer and it's taking them a longer time to get back on their feet," she said.
Last year, Mississauga city council officially declared food insecurity an emergency, an issue the city's mayor says still stands.
"We had the fastest-growing rate of food bank users in the province — and the number of visits continues to grow with each passing year," Mayor Carolyn Parrish said in a news release Monday.
The organization is aiming to raise $800,000 — a goal that reflects the continued need in Mississauga, as annual food bank visits increased by 20 per cent this year in the city.
"For every dollar people give, we're able to provide food for one meal. So if folks give $100, that's 100 meals for those who need it in the community," Nicholls said, adding cash donations are the most effective way to ensure clients get fresh healthy food as quickly as possible.
The organization has also been calling on all levels of government to address the affordability crisis, saying many residents are struggling to meet the rising costs of food and housing.
"We continue to call on governments to increase incomes for people so they can buy food, pay rent and do the things they need to do to live a life of dignity," Nicholls said.