Mayor Bonnie Crombie joins The Mississauga Food Bank at a local Tim Hortons restaurant to kick off Smile Cookie week.
The Mississauga Food Bank is once again partnering with Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners of Mississauga as a joint recipient of the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign taking place September 19 – 25, 2022. Last year in Mississauga, $135,912.70 was raised in Tim Hortons restaurants across the city. As one of two local charitable partners for the Smile Cookie campaign, The Mississauga Food Bank will be sharing funds raised with returning beneficiary, Community Living Mississauga.
Mayor Bonnie Crombie joined The Mississauga Food Bank at a local Tim Hortons restaurant to kick off Smile Cookie week. “The work The Mississauga Food Bank is doing is even more critical with inflation and the rising costs of living continuing to impact the most vulnerable in our community. It’s inspiring to see local businesses and residents come together again this year to support the work that the food bank does,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “With each purchase made during Smile Cookie Week, we can all contribute and help those facing food insecurity in our community while paying a visit to our neighbourhood Tim Hortons.”
“Last year the Smile Cookie Campaign nationally raised a record-breaking $12 million across Canada going to local charities, hospitals, and community groups across Canada that provide crucial services for their communities,” said Shahid Latif, Tim Hortons General Manager of Store #2706. “Parts of our community continue to face food insecurity, and we are excited and proud to partner with The Mississauga Food Bank and Community Living Mississauga to help give back to those in need.”
In their last fiscal year (June 2021 – May 2022), The Mississauga Food Bank continued to see the need in the city rise with a 50% increase in food bank visits compared to the year prior. Over 30,000 neighbours made more than 243,000 visits to a food bank in Mississauga – almost 7,300 of whom were first-time food bank users. This increase in demand is why support from partners like Tim Hortons is instrumental in helping neighbours in need. Funds raised during this year’s Smile Cookie campaign will ensure that there is healthy and appropriate food for hungry children, families, seniors, and other neighbours across Mississauga.
“Food insecurity is still a reality for many in our community. 45% of Mississauga residents who live below the poverty line accessed support from The Mississauga Food Bank network last year, which is almost double what we saw the year prior,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO. “The funds raised from this year’s Smile Cookie campaign will help provide fresh and nutritious food to neighbours in need.”
Smile Cookies are available for pre-order now, and you can download the order form at www.themississaugafoodbank.org/smile-cookie. Smile Cookies will be available for purchase in participating restaurants from September 19 – 25, 2022. Each cookie costs $1 (plus tax), and 100% of proceeds raised in our community will go to supporting The Mississauga Food Bank and Community Living Mississauga.