Food Banks Mississauga launches 9th annual Mayor’s City-Wide Thanksgiving Drive

MISSISSAUGA, Sept. 14, 2023  – Food Banks Mississauga is once again partnering with Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie for the Mayor’s 9th City-Wide Thanksgiving Drive as the urgent need for food continues to rise in Mississauga. The campaign, sponsored by Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, aims to raise $1,000,000 – the largest Thanksgiving Drive goal yet – by October 15, 2023. This goal reflects the growing number of Mississauga residents living with food insecurity.

During their last fiscal year (June 2022 – May 2023), Food Banks Mississauga and its network of 60+ agency members provided over 5.9 million pounds of healthy and appropriate food – that’s food for almost 6 million meals for neighbours in need, a 13% increase from the year prior. Over 35,000 residents visited a food bank in Mississauga, an 18% increase year over year, with half as first-time food bank users.

“Five percent of Mississauga’s population now accesses a food bank, and given the rising cost of food, the demand is growing,” says Mayor Crombie. “Our City’s residents need your support like never before. Your gift will ensure our neighbours who are struggling can enjoy a family meal this Thanksgiving. I know that we are a city that cares for each other, and I hope you will join me again this year in showing support and generosity for our community.”

“The need in our community has not slowed down even as we return to a sense of normalcy ‘post-pandemic.’ We now serve 82% more food bank users compared to four years ago,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga. “We’re seeing more folks turn to us who report their primary income is employment, and this will continue as wages fail to keep up with the rising cost of living. As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, please take a moment to think of those who are not sitting down to a full table. Show how much you have to be grateful for by supporting your neighbours facing food insecurity.”

For every dollar donated, Food Banks Mississauga can provide healthy and appropriate food for one meal to neighbours in need, thanks to the community’s support and Thanksgiving Drive sponsor Keurig Dr Pepper Canada.

“We are pleased to partner with Food Banks Mississauga once again to provide food to those in need this Thanksgiving,” says Cynthia Shanks, Senior Director – Sustainability and Communications at Keurig Dr Pepper Canada. “We recognize that communities may need a helping hand this Thanksgiving. No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Together, we can make a positive impact on our community.”

You can get involved by giving a monetary donation. You can also create a personalized fundraising page and rally your community, coworkers, school and family to organize fundraisers. Plus, keep an eye out for volunteers at your local grocery store in the coming weeks, where you can make a donation.

The Thanksgiving Drive runs until October 15, 2023. To learn more or get involved, please visit www.foodbanksmississauga.ca/thanksgiving 

Left: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Food Banks Mississauga headquarters to launch their new name and the Mayor’s City-Wide Thanksgiving Drive. From left to right: Councillor Chris Fonseca, Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Food Banks Mississauga CEO, Meghan Nicholls, Food Banks Mississauga Mascot, and Chair of Food Banks Mississauga’s Board of Directors, David Estabrooks.

About Food Banks Mississauga

Food Banks Mississauga is the leading food security organization in Mississauga. They lead a network of 60+ agency members, including neighbourhood food banks, pantries, cupboards and meal and snack programs, working together to realize a food-secure Mississauga. Through their network, they provide healthy and appropriate food for almost 6 million meals each year to neighbours facing food insecurity across Mississauga.

The Mississauga Food Bank is now Food Banks Mississauga! While our name and branding have changed to reflect how our work in the community has evolved, how we support neighbours facing food insecurity has not changed. We’re still doing the same critical work we’ve always done, helping neighbours get the food and support they need to live full, happy, and healthy lives.

lead photo From left to right: Councillor Chris Fonseca, Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Food Banks Mississauga CEO, Meghan Nicholls, Chair of Food Banks Mississauga’s Board of Directors, David Estabrooks, and Food Banks Mississauga Mascot at Food Banks Mississauga headquarters with four donation boxes.

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca