One in 13 Mississauga Residents Dependent on Food Banks as Over 1 Million Ontarians Seek Assistance

Over the past year, more than a million Ontarians have sought assistance from food banks, reflecting a dramatic rise in food insecurity across the province. According to Feed Ontario, a network of over 1,200 hunger-relief organizations, a staggering 1,001,150 individuals visited food banks between April 2023 and March 2024. This represents a 25% increase from the previous fiscal year.

The data highlights an unprecedented demand for food bank services, with Ontarians making a record 7.6 million visits to these facilities. This is a 134% increase from the 2019-2020 fiscal year, marking an eight-year high in food bank usage.

Carolyn Stewart, CEO of Feed Ontario, described the figures as “completely staggering,” emphasizing that even working individuals are increasingly relying on food banks. “People in Ontario are drowning in the rising tide of unaffordability,” Stewart said during a recent news conference. She pointed to the steep increase in the cost of living, which has left many without adequate support.

The trend of rising food bank use began during the COVID-19 pandemic but has been exacerbated by the ongoing affordability crisis. High inflation, escalating housing costs, and a volatile job market have contributed to a worsening situation. “Unless we take decisive action soon to address food insecurity and poverty, these issues will continue to spiral out of control,” Stewart warned.

Feed Ontario is urging the provincial government to enhance social services funding as food banks prepare for their annual Thanksgiving collection drives. Mississauga, in particular, is facing severe food insecurity, with food bank usage increasing by 58% in the past year alone. Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga, noted, “In 2019, it was one in 37 residents in the city using the food bank. Now, it’s one in 13.”

Students are among the hardest hit by the current affordability crisis. Christy Upshall, CEO of Our Place Peel, highlighted the struggles of young people working low-wage or part-time jobs while facing high city rents. “It’s just not enough money to put food on their table,” Upshall said, calling the situation a severe crisis.

In response to the crisis, Anastasiya Romanska, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, outlined several steps taken by the provincial government. These include increased funding for student nutrition programs, higher Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates, and greater financial support for children with severe disabilities. Ontario has also raised the minimum wage and introduced tax credits aimed at supporting low-income families.

Despite these measures, Stewart emphasizes that nearly 70% of food banks in the Feed Ontario network report concerns about food shortages, and over 50% worry that funding shortfalls will impact their operations. “This is what happens when you rely on a system meant for emergencies,” Stewart said.

Stewart remains hopeful, citing past successes such as the CERB program, which demonstrated the government’s ability to swiftly address crises. “We need everyone to hear this call to action,” she urged, stressing the importance of continued support and effective policy responses to tackle the ongoing affordability and food insecurity crisis.

The rising reliance on food banks across Ontario underscores a deepening affordability crisis affecting millions. As the demand for food bank services continues to grow, the call for enhanced government intervention and community support has never been more urgent. With ongoing challenges, it is crucial for both policymakers and citizens to address the root causes of food insecurity and ensure that no one in the province is left behind.