Half a million.
That number should stop you in your tracks. Last year, Food Banks Mississauga recorded 503,705 visits, the highest in their history. What does this staggering statistic reveal about our community’s wellbeing?
The annual Impact Report tells a story that is difficult to digest. Households once visiting food banks 3-5 times annually now rely on them monthly. Ten times a year. This is the rhythm of survival for thousands of our neighbours.
“Those who rely on food support are struggling to get back on their feet,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga. Her words echo through communities where parents skip meals to feed children, where seniors choose between medication and groceries.
Consider this: 28% of food bank visitors were children. Nearly four in ten visitors were seeking help for the first time. These numbers represent families falling through widening economic cracks.
The organization operates with remarkable efficiency, relying on community generosity for 90% of its funding. Their network of 60+ programs reached 48,539 residents last year.
Yet the question remains; in one of Canada’s wealthiest cities, why are more people than ever struggling to eat?
The answer lies in systemic challenges that no single organization can solve alone. While Food Banks Mississauga meets immediate needs, they are simultaneously advocating for policy changes that address root causes.
This crisis demands our attention and action. The report serves as both a mirror reflecting our community’s struggles and a window into possible solutions.
What happens next depends on us. Will we read these statistics and turn away, or will we recognize ourselves in these stories? The first step toward change begins with understanding the full scope of the challenge.
Visit foodbanksmississauga.ca/annual-impact-report to learn how you can be part of the solution. Your voice, your support, your awareness—these are the ingredients for meaningful change.
