This month, food banks across Canada will serve over two million visitors. Thanks to these crucial organizations and their generous supporters, families in need will have the chance to gather around a hearty holiday meal. This simple act can spark stronger bonds with loved ones and moments of warmth and comfort during the darkest days of winter. With renewed energy, many will step into the new year ready to meet its challenges and possibilities with hope. 

Now and throughout the year, food banks rely on the support of their communities. Together, we can do even better than wishing happy holidays to our neighbours: we can turn those wishes into reality. Here are some of the ways you can contribute and support Food Banks Canada’s mission: 

Donate 

When you donate to Food Banks Canada, your generosity goes a long way: thanks to our partnerships in key sectors such as food and transportation, we can stretch each dollar into two meals for someone in need. 

If you’d like to help out by donating quality food, your local neighbourhood food bank would be delighted to accept it. Sometimes, if you look at their website or social media feeds, they’ll have instructions and a list of food items they need the most. 

Advocate 

You can help prevent hunger in the community and reduce the need for food banks by lending your support to government policies that would significantly cut down food insecurity. Food Banks Canada has detailed policy recommendations in three broad areas:  

• Tackling the root causes of poverty 
• Making life more affordable 
• Addressing the disproportionate levels of food insecurity for vulnerable communities, including those in the North 

Browse the recommendations to see if anything strikes a chord and inspires you to reach out to your elected officials or spread awareness within your networks. 

Stay informed about food insecurity in Canada by providing your email address to our “Advocacy Sign Up” mailing list. We’ll share news with you about the policies that affect food insecurity levels and what you can do to contribute as an advocate. 

Volunteer 

Many local food banks are seeking volunteers for their warehouse or their board. There may even be opportunities to offer your professional expertise. If you have experience in management, communication, accounting, logistics or food handling, for example, they might be able to put those skills to good use. If not, volunteering is a great way to gain new ones! 

Participate 

During the holiday season, there are numerous additional opportunities to support Food Banks Canada. We encourage you to take part in the following campaigns from our generous partners: 

• Atlas Van Lines Canada – Will you be celebrating the season in a new house? For every residential move booked in 2025, Atlas Van Lines Canada will enable 10 meals for Food Banks Canada, with a commitment to provide 50,000 meals. 

• Crate & Barrel – Gift buyers take note: until December 24, Crate & Barrel and CB2 will donate part of the proceeds from select items to Food Banks Canada. For instance, they’ll donate  $10 from each sale of a Crate & Barrel mug and bowl set, $5 from the sale of a CB2 mug and $5 from the cute-as-pie Crate & Kids chef’s coat and hat. 

• Loblaw Feed More Families Holiday Food Drive – From November 28 until December 24, Loblaw banner stores across Canada are inviting customers to make a monetary donation to Food Banks Canada at checkout. Loblaw will make these donations count by matching them up to a total of $100,000. There will also be collection bins at the front of the store where customers can purchase and donate items that will be directed to their local community food banks. 

• Nestlé  – In the cleverly named ShAero Campaign, running until January 31, 2026, customers that buy any Nestlé Tablet or Aero product can upload their receipt for a chance to win $1,000 for themselves and another $1,000 for Food Banks Canada! There will be 20 lucky winners in total. 

• Rexall Care Network – Between now and December 27, Rexall Care Network is raising critical funds for Food Banks Canada as part of their Holiday Bubble Campaign. Customers at Rexall pharmacies can extend their care to the community by making a donation at checkout. 

• Simons – Stay comfy and cozy this winter with these organic cotton sleepwear sets for adults or children. Between now and December 25, $5 will be donated to Food Banks Canada for every set purchased. 

• Victory’s Kitchen – “Ladles of Love” soups from Victory’s Kitchen, available at various grocers, will warm your bones — and bring comfort to those in need. As part of a campaign that will continue well into the new year, the equivalent of one meal is donated to Food Banks Canada for every purchase of a tub of soup. 

• VinFast Auto – Until December 15^th, VinFast Auto will donate $50 (100 meals) to Food Banks Canada for every test drive booked in one of their electric vehicles. Bring a friend along for the ride and you’ll steer an additional $50 our way.

When it comes to creating a Canada that feeds the potential of all and doesn’t let anybody go hungry, every contribution counts. Your generosity shines especially bright during the festive season and continues to make a difference all year long. Heartfelt thanks and warm holiday wishes from Food Banks Canada!