Food Banks Mississauga Launches Holiday Drive with $2 Million Goal After Another Record-Breaking Month
Serving almost 17,000 food bank users in October
Food Banks Mississauga launches its 2023 Holiday Drive, sponsored by the Nissan Canada Foundation, as the need for food in Mississauga continues to skyrocket. The campaign runs from November 13, 2023 to January 8, 2024 and aims to raise $2,000,000 – the largest Holiday Drive goal in the organization’s history. This goal reflects the demand for food that Food Bank Mississauga and its network of over 60 agency members experience every day.
It was another record-breaking month in October when Food Banks Mississauga saw the highest number of food bank users ever in its history, serving 16,759 food bank users. This is a 50% increase year over year. As the holiday season approaches, there is no sign of this urgent need slowing down. Since June 2023, Food Banks Mississauga has seen, on average, 51% more food bank users every month compared to the same times last year.
“Every month that we break a new record is an emergency that should result in a major response from all levels of government. We should not be hitting new records this often, but as each month passes, the number of folks who rely on us climbs. We are predicting this December we will support 19,000 neighbours in need, which is 8,000 more than December of last year,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga. “This is why we are calling on all those who are able to make a gift to support their neighbours facing food insecurity this holiday season. Until government policy changes, we need your help to raise $2 million to provide healthy and appropriate food for two million meals and keep pace with the surge in demand that we and our agency members across the city are experiencing.”
Monetary donations enable Food Banks Mississauga to source and purchase fresh and frozen food such as dairy, meat, grains, fruit and vegetables in bulk at lower prices than retail. For every dollar donated, they can provide healthy and appropriate food for one meal to neighbours in need, thanks to the community’s support and valued partners like Holiday Drive sponsor Nissan Canada Foundation.
“We are proud to partner with Food Banks Mississauga since 2011, and kick off the Holiday Drive to once again to provide food to those in need this holiday season,” says Steve Milette, President, NCI. “This time of year can be tough with many of our neighbours struggling, so we will continue lending a helping hand to all who need it, and support our vision to make a long-lasting positive impact in our communities through the Nissan Canada Foundation.”
Get involved today by giving a monetary donation. You can also create a personalized online fundraising page and rally your community, coworkers, school and family to donate or organize fundraisers. Plus, keep an eye out for volunteers at your local grocery store in the coming weeks, where you can also donate.
The 2023 Holiday Drive runs until January 8, 2023. To learn more and get involved, visit www.foodbanksmississauga.ca/holiday.
The 2023 Holiday Drive is proudly sponsored by the Nissan Canada Foundation.
