From September 18-September 22, 2017, food banks across the county will come together to mark Hunger Awareness Week, a week dedicated to bringing attention to the issue of hunger in Canada and the important role food banks play in addressing hunger. Read more about this post

In 2004, a Farm Credit Canada employee decided to use his vacation time and his tractor and wagon to help his community. Read more about this post

We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Lori McRitchie, Executive Director of Airdrie Food Bank in Airdrie, AB. Read more about this post

August kicks off the beginning of the back to school routine. The season of new haircuts, new clothes, school supplies, and don’t forget about the registrations for all the after school programs! Back to school can be a wallet-draining, stressful time of the year for most families. What about the families who are already struggling to make ends meet? How do they cope with the added costs? Read more about this post

When the final school bell rings, not all children enjoy worry free summer vacations or weekends. Food insecurity doesn’t stop with the warm temperatures or days off, or as we say “hunger doesn’t take a vacation”. Many children who participate in school breakfast and lunch programs during the school year have gaps in reliable food sources. Read more about this post

Families come in all kinds of shapes and forms but regardless of structure, many families across Canada are struggling financially. Job loss, ill health or other issues affecting the family income can weigh particularly heavy on a parent, especially when he or she feels not able to provide the necessities of life, such as food. Thousands of fathers face this every month and need to turn to food banks to fill the gaps. Read more about this post

Every year, we recognize the companies that made outstanding commitments to Food Banks Canada and a difference in the lives of Canadians with our Corporate Donor Awards. Read more about this post

On May 16 and 17th, Food Banks Canada hosted more than 240 volunteers from our corporate partners, committed to making kids’ summer joyful again by helping to relieve their hunger! Read more about this post

Some people were raised with gardening in their blood, others have no experience with it at all. Either way, it is a worthwhile endeavor. This activity is catching on with many Food Banks in a big way. Read more about this post

On May 17th, Food Banks Canada has asked all Parliamentarians and their staff to fast for the day to feel what it’s like to go through an average day without enough food to eat. Read more about this post

From the day a woman becomes a mother, her children look to her as a source of protection and well-being. Many mothers feel the overwhelming need to provide for their children, so, imagine the heartbreak when, due to life circumstances, a mother is not able to consistently put food on the table. Read more about this post

We are thrilled to have been named winner of the People’s Choice Award in the recent Google.org Impact Challenge. Along with that honour comes a sizeable grant that will help us create a digital tool to acquire and share more food than ever before and get it more quickly into the hands of people in need. Read more about this post

As food drive season ramps up before the spring holiday, it’s a great time to reconsider the role that food banks have in their communities. Here we share insights into the services that food banks provide to better help recipients meet their own long-term needs. Read more about this post

Food Banks Canada’s Response to the 2017 Federal Budget Read more about this post

Food Banks Canada has been chosen as one of the 10 finalists in the Google.org Impact Challenge to receive funding to support the development of its FoodAccess app. The Google.org Impact Challenge will grant $5 million across 10 projects that have the potential to change the world and make an impact in people's lives. Read more about this post

The Food Bank was only a small part of my childhood, but is still a big part of my life. Read more about this post

People living in poverty often struggle to access healthy food choices, and heart-healthy items from food banks can go a long way towards improving their diet. Read more about this post

Far too many northerners lack access to affordable, culturally appropriate foods; this is nothing less than a public health emergency. Read more about this post

More than half a million Canadians participated in SUBWAY® Canada’s National Sandwich Day event on November 3, 2016, in support of Food Banks Canada. Find out how a carefully constructed campaign generated plenty of buzz as well as an overwhelming number of sales, happy customers, and meals for Canadians most in need. Read more about this post

Introducing a new feature on our blog which profiles individuals in food banking across Canada! Read more about this post

Recent news stories have questioned whether donating food is the best way to help put food on the tables of those in need and advocated for people to move to donate money. We’ve added our thoughts to this discussion so read on to learn more about how you can best support your local food bank this holiday season. Read more about this post

Financial support is vital in helping our organization ensure that no Canadian goes hungry. But not every gift to Food Banks Canada comes as food or with a dollar sign in front of it. Find out which companies are contributing valuable services and resources, how these “gifts-in-kind” are helping us achieve our goals, and how you can get involved too. Read more about this post

We’ve all done it before — headed into our pantry to round up those never-been-eaten canned goods or strange spaghetti to cobble together a food drive donation. But are those odds and ends what food bank recipients need the most? Read more about this post

The holiday season is the quintessential time to think about ways to spread good cheer and help put food on the tables of those in need. Supporting food banking is the perfect way to participate in the spirit of the season. Here are some ways you can incorporate helping Canadians in need into your annual holiday traditions. Read more about this post

The HungerCount 2016 report calls on provincial and territorial governments to dismantle their social assistance programs and create a Basic Income, administered through the tax system. Read more about this post

The HungerCount is the only comprehensive Canadian study of food banks and the people who access them and will be released on November 15th. Read more about this post

The holiday season is the quintessential time to think about ways to spread good cheer and help put food on the tables of those in need. Supporting food banking is the perfect way to participate in the spirit of the season. Here are some ways you can incorporate helping Canadians in need into your annual holiday traditions. Read more about this post

There are many ways that you can make a difference this Halloween, we’ve outlined 5 ideas to get you started. Read more about this post

Food Banks Canada is proud to work with corporations who engage their employees in making this world a better place. Read more about this post

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, many local food banks have geared up for the giving season and launched food drives during the month of October. Read more about this post

Companies in the food and nutrition industries have a special bond with Food Banks Canada because our businesses are so intrinsically aligned. Here’s how two of them are achieving their corporate goals and making a difference by helping us nourish Canadians who are hungry. Read more about this post

Turkey Farmers of Canada is honoured to have this opportunity to give back to rural communities across the country so that people can enjoy a holiday turkey meal with family and friends, that otherwise may not happen. Read more about this post

This year during Hunger Awareness Week (September 19-23), Food Banks Canada is calling on Canadians to draw the line on hunger and share how we can make an impact on this solvable issue. Read more about this post

During Hunger Awareness Week, food banks across the country are telling the stories of the work they do in their communities. They are raising awareness of hunger in Canada, and asking all Canadians to take action to reduce food insecurity. Read more about this post

In 2004, a Farm Credit Canada employee decided to use his vacation time and his tractor and wagon to help his community. Read more about this post

Our new After the Bell program has wrapped up after a highly successful summer of delivering nutritious, kid-friendly snacks to children in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Coordinators, kids and parents are all giving the program rave reviews. Read more about this post

Did you know that 40% of the food distributed by food banks across Canada is fresh or frozen? Take a look at the efforts food banks make to provide the essentials. Read more about this post

What is a food bank? Some don’t have an understanding of the role they play in communities and the evolution many food organizations have undergone in the last 30 years. Many aren’t aware of the amazing work, the incredible passion, the diverse initiatives, and the care for neighbours that characterize food banks in Canada. We want Canadians to see the food banks of today and how they have evolved. Read more about this post

Our National Food Sharing System is an innovative way to deliver more food to the food bank network to help those who need it most, thanks to the support of our committed donors. Read more about this post

Our Retail Food Program is an innovative way to deliver more food to those who need it thanks to the participation of the grocery retail sector. Learn more. Read more about this post

Our response to Syrian refugees is just one example of how the voluntary sector – partially and imperfectly – is filling the gaps left by governments. Read more about this post

Many children from food insecure households go hungry during the summer months, when school meal programs are not available. Our new child hunger program, After the Bell, is helping kids in several communities enjoy nutritious foods so they too can enjoy a happy, healthy — and fun — summer. Read more about this post

This summer alone more than 950,000 Canadians will turn to a food bank for help. There is a growing need to support community food banks, and for this reason, egg farmers are a proud partner of Food Banks Canada. Read more about this post

For most kids, summer is a time for freedom and fun, but for some children it can mean struggling with hunger. When school winds down for summer so do many of the breakfast and lunch programs that ensure those kids that live with food insecurity get the food they need. Read more about this post

Recognizing the important role of fresh food in a nutritious diet, Food Banks Canada supports programs that provide food banks with more foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products. Read more about this post

31 days and 1,270,670 meals raised to help fill the summer meal gap! Read more about this post

On May 18th, more than 120 Parliamentarians and staff fasted for the day to raise awareness of hunger and to show solidarity with those in need. Read more about this post

Every year, we recognize the companies who have stood out in the crowd with our Corporate Donor Awards. These companies have all made outstanding commitments to Food Banks Canada and through their work have made a difference in the lives of Canadians. Read more about this post

Canadians from coast to coast have stepped up to raise over 700,000 meals so far for the Every Plate Full campaign but with your help we can help ensure more of our neighbours don’t go hungry this summer. Read more about this post

International Day of Families is an opportunity to reflect on the issues and consider the challenges, as well as opportunities, that are facing families across the world. Read more about this post

On May 18th, Food Banks Canada has asked all Parliamentarians and their staff to fast for the day to feel what it’s like to go through an average day without enough food to eat. Read more about this post

The Every Plate Full National Fund and Food Drive is officially underway with 124 food organizations participating this year. Read more about this post

We are grateful to know that all the staff at the Wood Buffalo Food Bank are safe and our thoughts go out to all community members who have been deeply affected by this situation. Read more about this post

In its second year, the #EveryPlateFull campaign, is once again urging Canadians to address the 26,548,725 summer meal gap that is facing Canadians struggling with hunger. Read more about this post

This week’s guest blog is from Heather Hedlund who has saved thousands of dollars on groceries for her family. Read more about this post

There’s a world of difference between rural food banks and their urban counterparts. That’s why we have a special program dedicated to food banks in rural areas. Read more about this post

A significant portion of the work we do involves helping to build the capacity of food banks. But what exactly do we mean by “building capacity”? Read more about this post

Think of a food bank and what do you picture? Probably a warehouse-type building. But food banks also need wheels — and some pretty big ones at that! Read more about this post

The HungerCount has been performed every year since 1997, and it is needed now more than ever. Read more about this post

Food drives are an important source of donations and help ensure food bank shelves are filled when the need is high. Read more about this post

Food Banks Canada’s Response to the 2016 Federal Budget. Read more about this post

Did you know March is Nutrition Month? Food banks across Canada recognize the importance of health eating. Read more about this post

Grocery retailers help to significantly increase food donations by providing the opportunity for shoppers to make non-perishable food donations right in store. Read more about this post

Learn more about becoming a National Participant for Every Plate Full. In 2016, from May 1-31, food banks across Canada will come together to participate in the Every Plate Full Food Drive with an inspiring goal: to fill the plates of every hungry Canadian this summer. Read more about this post

People living in poverty often struggle to access healthy food choices, and heart-healthy items from food banks can go a long way towards improving their diet. Read more about this post

While many are out at shopping malls to buy cards, flowers and other presents; there are others in your community who quietly struggle to make ends meet every month. Read more about this post

A number of factors, including a shrinking loonie and California’s drought, have resulted in rapidly rising food prices. While this is causing hardship for many Canadians, those with the lowest incomes are hardest hit. How are food banks coping with the increased need? What can you do to help? Read more about this post

In Canada’s territories, 1 in every 5 households skips meals because there isn’t enough food in the house, or eats suboptimal food because they can’t afford better. Read more about this post

Each year, Canadians volunteer their time for the opportunity to make a positive impact in their communities. In 2013, 12.7 million people aged 15 years and older participated in some form of volunteer work. Read more about this post

Dropping your non-perishable donation into a grocery store collection bin is a great way to help people in your community. But did you know there’s something else you can contribute that’s as essential? Read more about this post

The act of cooking and sharing a meal is one of life’s simplest pleasures, yet one of the most rewarding in so many ways. Our Kitchen Creations fund, sponsored by Unilever, recognizes this by supporting organizations that provide education and skills in the areas of food, nutrition and meal preparation. Read more about this post

The holiday season is the quintessential time to think about ways to spread good cheer and help put food on the tables of those in need. Supporting food banking is the perfect way to participate in the spirit of the season. Here are some ways you can incorporate helping Canadians in need into your annual holiday traditions. Read more about this post

Food banks consistently report that the high cost of housing is one of the most important drivers of the need for food assistance. There is not enough affordable housing to meet the need, leaving far too many Canadians to use their food budgets to pay the rent. Read more about this post

The HungerCount is the only comprehensive Canadian study of food banks and the people who access them. It shows the scope of the problems of hunger and food insecurity in Canada, and offers policy recommendations to reduce the need for food banks. Read more about this post

Justin Trudeau’s Liberals pulled off a surprising and momentous victory last night, taking 184 of 338 federal ridings. The question we are asking the morning after is – what does this mean for food insecurity and the need for food banks in Canada? Read more about this post

Did you know that 40% of those helped by food banks are children? Now that is scary! Read more about this post

At Food Banks Canada one of our goals is to increase the amount of fresh food that is distributed to food banks and into the hands of our neighbours who need it most. Read more about this post

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Cause Marketing continue to evolve and Food Banks Canada is in a privileged position to work with a wide range of organizations. Read more about this post

World Food Day #WFD2015 is an opportunity for the world to think and talk about food & food security. Read more about this post

For years, Canada has seen a gradual decline in voter turnout in elections across the country. As Elections Canada and other organizations actively pursue ‘get out the vote’ campaigns, it is difficult to predict whether voter turnout will increase in the upcoming federal election. Read more about this post

In our seventh year of partnership with Food Banks Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) is honoured once again to have this opportunity to give back to communities across the country. Read more about this post

We live in a food-crazed world but we think it’s time to interrupt the conversation – just for a moment to help raise awareness of hunger across Canada. Read more about this post

Hunger Awareness Week is Canada’s campaign to raise awareness of the issue of hunger and the role of food banks and how they assist close to 850,000 families and individuals every month. Read more about this post

What food banks can do to make hunger a priority during the 2015 Federal Election Read more about this post

Over the past few weeks, parents have been busy preparing their kids for the return to school. For parents struggling to make ends meet, back-to-school can be an incredibly stressful time. Read more about this post

The start of a new school year can be an expensive time for parents — the cost of stationery, backpacks, electronics, and of course the season’s “must-have” fashions and sneakers really adds up. Our research shows that more than 310,000 people helped by food banks are school-age children. These young people will most certainly feel the effects of their parents’ financial hardship as they head back to school this September. Read more about this post

From sweet blueberries to juicy peaches, now is the ideal time to enjoy local Canadian produce. In addition to being farm-fresh, ripe and delicious, it’s also in great abundance. That means it is more affordable to buy, because there’s lots of it to sell! Read more about this post

Think of a food bank and what do you picture? Probably a warehouse-type building. But food banks also need wheels — and some pretty big ones at that! Read more about this post

For more than two decades, egg farmers have donated more than a million eggs a year to food banks across Canada. Read more about this post

Why focus on community gardens? The most obvious benefit is that they supply fresh local produce, which helps families enjoy nutritious food while saving money on groceries. Read more about this post

Starting in the late 1990s, many Canadian organizations that were home to important social policy research faced wide and deep cuts in government funding.The closing of these and other non-partisan groups has left a huge gap in research and analysis of the links between poverty, food security, health and well-being. Along with other notable organizations, Food Banks Canada is working to fill that gap. Read more about this post

“Budget” – a six letter word that can strike fear, anger and frustration in our hearts. But with a few small changes to the way you spend and save your money (a.k.a. your budget), you may find that you have a greater understanding of your disposable income, a sense of satisfaction in your savings and enjoy the money you have on hand because you know that you are putting some away. Read more about this post

While we will shorten the list to the top 5 in the interest of space, there are definitely more than 148 great reasons why Canadians donate their time, money and energy to support food banks. Quite simply food banks are doing essential work in their communities. Read more about this post

Greg Rollingson, Principal of Champion School in Champion, Alberta contacted us to share a story about an exceptional student, Cale, who is 11, has taken it upon himself to help those in need in his community. Read more about this post

Nearly one million Canadian children live in families with incomes below the poverty level. Read more about this post

The numbers around child hunger in Canada are staggering. Each year an estimated 1.1 million children face food insecurity in communities across Canada. Read more about this post

Food Banks Canada recently launched our first annual #EveryPlateFull — a national food and fundraising campaign aimed at keeping food banks stocked through the summer months. Read more about this post

With 26,548,725 meals needed to feed Canadians who are hungry this summer, Food Banks Canada is asking Canadians coast-to-coast to help make #EveryPlateFull with their new, national fundraising campaign running from May 2 to 8. Read more about this post

On May 6th, during Every Plate Full, Food Banks Canada has asked all Parliamentarians and their staff to fast for the day to feel what it’s like to have food out of reach. Read more about this post

A few weeks ago, Statistics Canada released a report showing that more than one million Canadian households “experienced food security” in 2012. That is, these households “did not have access to a sufficient variety or quantity of food due to lack of money.” Read more about this post

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to reach out to those generous individuals who have donated a very valuable personal resource – their time. Volunteerism is an important and valued aspect of the food bank network across Canada and ensures organizations are able to support those Canadians who are most in need. Read more about this post

When it comes to helping individuals and families living with hunger, Canadians can be a generous lot. And food banks know firsthand how communities unite to raise food and funds, especially at times when food shelves are running empty. Read more about this post

Everything customers spend with BESTSELLER on April 10th is given to charity, with 50% of all Canada sales coming to Food Banks Canada! Read more about this post

When thinking about what food banks do, it’s not hard to immediately think about the community food drive – the ‘bread and butter’ activity of food banks across the country. Food drives are an important source of donated food and critical to ensuring food bank shelves are filled when need is high. It’s a testament to caring Canadians who have shopped the aisles to pick up essential grocery items to place in food bank bins. Read more about this post

It is commonly said that food banks can cause dependence among those they help. After many years of speaking with food bank clients and staff, I know that this is simply untrue. Read more about this post

Through Food Banks Canada’s Mission Kitchen grant program, The Agape Centre in Cornwall developed a kids cooking club, with the goal of building confidence and inspiring healthy living. The granting program was supported by the RBC Foundation. Read more about this post

About 1.6 million Canadians currently have heart disease. And, 90 percent of individuals over age 20 are living with at least one risk factor of developing heart disease, which include smoking, physical inactivity, low consumption of vegetables and fruit, stress, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Read more about this post

In Canada’s three territories, 1 in every 5 households skips meals because there isn’t enough food in the house, or eats suboptimal food because they can’t afford better. This has drastic consequences for the health of northerners. Read more about this post

Thank you for visiting our new blog and showing interest in helping Canadians in need, we are excited to have a forum to communicate with our community. We look forward to sharing news about the work of the food bank community in Canada, and engaging in conversation around hunger in Canada. Hear from the Food Banks Canada team, our food bank network, guest contributors and supporters. Read more about this post