How food insecurity it keeps growing Thanksgiving DayMany families across Toronto decided to not only celebrate themselves, but also help others enjoy a warm meal.
Hundreds of volunteers gathered at the Daily Bread food bank in Toronto on Saturday to give back and give back to the community.
“No one should be forced to choose between paying their rent and putting food on the table, yet nearly one in five food bank clients spend their entire income on housing,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO of the food bank.
“This Thanksgiving, we have the opportunity to show what is possible when a community comes together.”
Food bank visits expected to exceed four million
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The development comes as the number of visits to food banks in Toronto is expected to exceed four million this year, a record high and nearly five times higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
By comparison, 3.75 million people visited food banks across the city last year.
“After paying rent and utilities, clients are left with an average of just $7.78 per person per day for food and other essentials, forcing many to turn to food banks to survive,” the Daily Bread Food Bank said in a news release.
Despite the dire numbers, there was a sense of hope at the food sorting event, where more than 44,000 pounds of food was sorted in one day.
Volunteers included students, community members and elected officials, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who encouraged everyone to give what they can.
“It’s harvest season,” Chow said. “Toronto is so rich. We are so lucky. Let's share a little of what we have and support each other.”
Organizers say donating food or money, volunteering and advocating for change are all important ways for people to get involved.
Food insecurity remains a serious problem across the country, with Food Banks Canada reporting that one in four Canadians currently faces some form of food insecurity, and more than 700,000 children rely on food programs each month.
The Our Daily Bread Thanksgiving campaign runs through October 31st, and every dollar counts. For just $1, you can get one meal for someone who is hungry.
To donate or learn more, visit dailybread.ca.
— with files from Lexi Benedict
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