Hunger and Food Insecurity Know No Age Limit
Food Banks Mississauga Expands Network to Serve More Children and Seniors in Need
With food insecurity on the rise, Food Banks Mississauga has partnered with Peel Senior Link and the YMCA of Greater Toronto Peel Student Nutrition Program to better serve both seniors and children in Mississauga. Hunger affects young and old alike, and with these two new partnerships, Food Banks Mississauga will better reach two age groups who are historically most vulnerable, ensuring that they have the healthy food they need to thrive. Almost 30% of food bank visitors are children, and the organization now serves 35% more seniors than in 2023.
By partnering with Peel Senior Link, Food Banks Mississauga can expand food support to 50 additional households in 2026 through its Food Bank 2 Home Delivery Program that delivers custom grocery orders directly to the doorsteps of homebound seniors who can’t travel to a food bank. They are adding deliveries to buildings where Peel Senior Link already operates, allowing for more seniors who are most at risk to have food delivered directly to them.
They have also welcomed the YMCA-run Peel Student Nutrition Program to their network of food programs to provide food for the growing number of children in need attending more than 300 programs in schools across Peel. Thanks to Food Banks Mississauga’s expertise in sourcing donated food in bulk, essential food will be provided quarterly to the Student Nutrition Program as a supplement to what is purchased with the funding received from provincial and federal governments.
“We are thrilled to announce these two new partnerships as we work to reach even more neighbours in need across Mississauga. We are not only reaching our elders to provide the vital food they need, but also children who are starting out in life, too,” says Nicole Norris, Registered Dietitian and Director of Programs & Agency Network at Food Banks Mississauga.
“Kids who go to school hungry have trouble concentrating and being productive in class. The $0.18 funding per child per day that the federal and provincial governments provide is a step in the right direction, and we are proud to work with the YMCA-run Peel Student Nutrition Program to supplement that food to ensure kids have what they need to grow, learn and thrive. Seniors who experience food insecurity often face higher chances of social isolation, in addition to the negative impact on their physical health. By partnering with Peel Senior Link, we can ensure that seniors get the food support they need with dignity.”
“This partnership between Peel Senior Link and Food Banks Mississauga demonstrates the power of community collaboration. By working together, we are strengthening food security for seniors who are most at risk, ensuring they can access healthy food in their homes with dignity, independence, and care,” says Samina Talat, CEO, Peel Senior Link. “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and building healthier, more inclusive communities across Mississauga.”
“Our charity is excited to partner with Food Banks Mississauga. With the rising food costs and increasing student participation in nutrition programs, it is imperative to work alongside community partners to make these programs as impactful as possible,” said Andy Seto, Director of the YMCA of Greater Toronto Peel Student Nutrition Program. “With more food options and the potential to lower the cost of the food we purchase, this collaboration will help more students in Peel eat, learn, and reach their full potential.”
