This September, as we mark Hunger Action Month, we are seeing a record number of people struggling to afford the food they need. More than 1 in 10 Torontonians now rely on a food bank. Across the provinces, nearly 10 million people — including 2.5 million children — are food insecure. The increasing cost of living, unaffordable housing, precarious work, and inadequate income supports continue to fuel the crisis.
Behind these numbers are families like Saad’s. A father of three young children, Saad has relied on food banks since 2008. He currently works at a cheese plant but finds it extremely hard to make ends meet. “I earn close to minimum wage and get laid off when business is slow. I would love to apply for jobs like TTC driver or hospital technician, but the job market is bad. People 100% depend on the food banks.”
Daily Bread Food Bank works in partnership with over 130 member agencies and more than 205 food programs across Toronto, and is seeing the impact firsthand. In 2024, there were 3.75 million client visits to Toronto food banks — nearly 1 million more than the year prior and a 273% increase since pre-pandemic.
But we have a choice. We can dwell on the harsh reality of hunger, or we can choose hope and action. This Hunger Action Month, we invite you to stand with us in choosing hope. Here are some meaningful ways you can join the fight to end hunger:
- Become a community champion and help us raise food and/or funds: You can make an immediate difference by starting a fundraiser or food drive.
- Start a fundraiser: Get started by creating a custom fundraising link and invite your friends and family to support you with a monetary donation. For every $1 raised, Daily Bread can provide the equivalent of one meal for individuals and families experiencing hunger in our city.
- Start a food drive:
- Register your food drive here.
- Explore our resources for a list of most-needed items and helpful tools.
- Pick up bins and/or bags from Daily Bread Food Bank at 191 New Toronto St, Etobicoke, ON M8V 2E7.
- Check out the Frequently Asked Questions to learn how to return the donations.
If you have questions or need support, contact us at [email protected].
- Donate: Give what you can in a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to help provide nutritious food all year.
- Take action: As we continue to feed the immediate need, we are also advocating for long term policy solutions that reduce the reliance on food banks. Join us in demanding action from your elected officials.
- Volunteer: Volunteering is a meaningful way to support Daily Bread’s day-to-day operations and help make a difference in the community. You can volunteer as an individual or a group.
- We are seeking volunteers for the Purolator Red Bag campaign on two upcoming Saturday mornings: September 13 and September 20. Volunteers will be dropping off empty red bags or picking up bags filled with food donations in neighbourhoods across Toronto. Register here.
- For more information on how to volunteer at Daily Bread Food Bank, click here.
- You can also contact your local food bank to see what you can do to help.
- Get informed: Every year, Daily Bread produces the Who’s Hungry report which captures the state of food insecurity in our city. Check out our latest Who’s Hungry report and share it within your network.
This Hunger Action Month, let’s choose hope and take action to end hunger in our city.
