Mississauga has experienced the highest increase in demand for food banks across Canada over the past year, according to Food Banks Mississauga CEO Meghan Nicholls. During a recent address to Mississauga city councillors, Nicholls described the situation as a “food security crisis,” revealing staggering numbers that highlight the growing need for support.
From June 2023 to May 2024, Food Banks Mississauga provided food support to more than 56,000 individuals, marking a 60% increase compared to the previous year. In contrast, the average increase in food bank usage across Ontario during the same period was 22%. Nicholls noted, “This now means one in 13 Mississauga residents are using a food bank, compared to one in 20 last year, and one in 37 in 2020.”
Nicholls emphasized that this surge is unique to Mississauga, calling attention to the pressures being faced by food banks in the city. “Mississauga has seen the highest year-over-year increase of any food bank in Canada. This year brought new challenges our community has never faced before,” she said at the city’s General Committee meeting on September 18.
Thanksgiving Drive Aims to Raise $800,000 Amid Food Crisis
Food Banks Mississauga, which leads a network of over 60 community agencies, has launched its 2024 Thanksgiving Drive, setting a goal of $800,000 to help meet the growing demand. This is part of a broader $9 million fundraising objective for the year. Nicholls stressed the importance of the funds to keep pace with the growing needs, stating that last year’s drive fell short of its $1 million goal, raising $783,963.
The challenges extend beyond Mississauga, as more than one million Ontario residents have relied on food banks in the past year, up from 500,000 just four years ago, according to provincial data. However, Nicholls pointed out that the situation in Mississauga is especially dire, with some unique factors at play.
Newcomers and High Living Costs Fuel Crisis
Nicholls cited high housing costs and a large number of recent immigrants as key contributors to the crisis. “Thirty-two percent of people who’ve used the food bank in the last year have only been in Canada for less than 12 months,” she explained. Many of these newcomers arrive at Pearson Airport in Mississauga with limited resources, and due to the lack of immigration supports, they end up staying in the city, further increasing demand on local food banks.
With rent averaging $2,700 per month and utility costs around $122, many residents are forced to make difficult choices. Nicholls pointed out that even former donors are now turning to food banks for help. “People who used to give money and food donations are now coming in to ask for support themselves,” she said.
Impact on Children and Families
The impact on Mississauga’s children is a major concern. Nicholls explained that many families face the heartbreaking decision of whether to spend their money on rent or food. “They’re starting life without the nutrients they need, the energy they need to develop, learn, and grow,” she warned. Statistics Canada and Food Banks Canada estimate that one in four Canadians will need the help of a community agency by the end of 2024, which translates to 175,000 Mississauga residents.
In the past year, Food Banks Mississauga distributed food for nine million meals, a 55% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 21,000 people used a food bank for the first time in 2023, an alarming trend that further underscores the severity of the crisis.
Nicholls concluded by reiterating the urgent need for support, stating, “We can’t underestimate the impact of that many kids in our city growing up undernourished. This is a crisis that affects everyone.”