Real people making a real difference in the fight against hunger
With a national network consisting of food banks, agencies, and provincial associations, Food Banks Canada is proud to be part of a community that is driven by a passion to impact lives for the better. These are the stories that feed our desire to make a difference.
Canada has reached a critical turning point as progress made in reducing poverty over the past decade is now eroding quickly. Despite dramatic increases in people’s financial struggles, poverty rates, and food insecurity, most governments are not responding with the urgency that is needed. According to Food Banks Canada’s newly-released 2024 Poverty Report Cards —…
Each day, people you know – family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and people throughout your community – are making the heartbreaking decision of whether to eat, pay rent or give up another basic essential. Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and affordability have highlighted just how fragile our society and our social safety net can be. Any…
We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Bob Mandel, who is the founder of the Avenue Road Food Bank in downtown Toronto. What is your role in food banking? Part of my role as the Avenue Road Food Bank founder is to imbue a sense…
“We need to help people feel less guilty and embarrassed about accessing [food banks]. I would love to see advertisements about normalizing food bank access. Don’t be embarrassed if you need to access the food bank. That’s why it’s here.” — Research participant quote Far too many people in Canada experience food insecurity and hunger….
Food Banks Canada is encouraged to see some positive steps forward in this year’s federal budget to address long-term systemic issues that should alleviate the root causes of poverty and food insecurity. Specifically, we were encouraged to see a long overdue plan to spur the creation of more affordable housing through a new National Housing…
National Volunteer Week 2024 (April 14–20) is a time to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of dedicated volunteers who help support the network of 10 Provincial Associations and 5,100 community organizations, driven by the mission of relieving hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow. This year’s theme is Every Moment Matters, which…
Beginning with the appearance of the crescent moon, Muslims in Canada and around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan, which falls during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Eid al-Fitr, also known as the festival of breaking the fast, offers an opportunity to reflect on the values of…
We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Emma Monias, Executive Director of the Erickson and Area Food Bank. What is your role in food banking? I am the Executive Director of the Erickson and Area Food Bank. What are your pronouns? She/ her…
Racialized communities, sometimes called Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), experience higher rates of food insecurity than white Canadians. According to data on food insecurity from the interdisciplinary research program PROOF, in 2022, 39.2 per cent of Black households and 33.4 per cent of Indigenous households were living in food-insecure households. For racialized community…
As part of its commitment to “Feed More Families,” Loblaw Companies Limited is marking 15 years of biannual food drives in support of local food banks in communities across the country. Since 2009, Loblaw and Food Banks Canada have teamed up for the Spring & Holiday Feed More Families™ Food Drives, with more than $3.4…
