Food Banks Mississauga launches its 2025 Thanksgiving Drive as food bank usage continues to climb in Mississauga. This year’s Thanksgiving Drive, sponsored by Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, aims to raise $800,000 by October 17, 2025. This ambitious goal reflects the continued food insecurity emergency in Mississauga, as annual food bank visits increased by 20%.
Last year, almost 49,000 neighbours in need made over 503,000 visits to the organization and their network of 60+ food programs – the most visits ever in the organization’s history. The increase in food bank visits is a clear indication that neighbours experiencing food insecurity are accessing food support services more frequently, and those who rely on food support are struggling to get back on their feet, relying on food banks for longer. On average, food bank visitors now use a food bank more than 10 times a year compared to less than 5 times in 2021.
“Food insecurity has left too many families and their children facing dire and unnecessary shortages. Sadly, the need is only rising. This is why Mississauga has declared a food insecurity emergency. We had the fastest-growing rate of food bank users in the province – and the number of visits continues to grow with each passing year,” says Carolyn Parrish, Mayor of Mississauga. “I encourage the people of Mississauga to support this year’s Thanksgiving Drive any way they can – as it makes a daily difference in the lives of so many of your neighbours.”
“Thanksgiving is a holiday centred around food, and as we get ready to gather with loved ones around tables piled high, we can’t forget about our neighbours who won’t be able to do the same,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga. “Our neighbours are forced to wonder if they will have enough for their next meal or if they will need to make the difficult choice between feeding their family or paying their rent. As our provincial and federal governments focus on economic pressures from south of the border, folks who have been put at risk will be left further behind. Please think of your neighbours in need and donate to Food Banks Mississauga this Thanksgiving.”
For every $1 donated, Food Banks Mississauga can provide healthy and appropriate food for 1 meal to neighbours in need. This means that by donating $100, food for 100 meals can be provided, thanks to the community’s support and Thanksgiving Drive sponsor, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada.
Ways you can get involved:
- Make a monetary donation;
- Create a personalized fundraising page and rally your community, coworkers, school, and family to raise much-needed funds;
- Find volunteers at grocery stores across the city in October, where you can donate funds or food.
By supporting the Thanksgiving Drive, you are providing life-changing support to food bank visitors like Valentina*:
“We are grateful and thankful. We really appreciate all your help. I don’t know how to thank [you]. From the bottom of my heart, you keep me alive.”
The Thanksgiving Drive runs until October 17, 2025, and is proudly sponsored by Keurig Dr Pepper Canada.
*Name changed for privacy
