Feed Ontario

Our province urgently needs to take action. The Hunger Report 2024 is here, and in it we outline why the unravelling of our social supports has led to over 1 million people in Ontario turning to a food bank for help, visiting nearly 7.7 million times. The report also explores how the services food banks provide are being affected by the rising demand in their communities. On a provincial level food bank visits have increased by 25% since last year alone, with 43% of visitors crossing the threshold of a food bank for the first time. Read the report to learn more about what’s driving the need for food banks and what we need to do to create change in our province: https://ow.ly/kpUC50UihyJ

If you lost your job tomorrow, would you land on your feet? When faced with an emergency, we hope that our government can provide a safety net to catch us. But after years of neglect our social support system is broken, and often results in those who need it falling into poverty. On top of that, today's affordability crisis is only making yesterday's problems worse. This leaves many people in the province just one pay cheque away from needing the help of a food bank, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Join us during the election to call on all candidates to take steps to protect Ontarians when hard times hit: https://ow.ly/5Jg450UTyRI

With over 1 million Ontarians accessing a food bank last year, food insecurity is an ongoing emergency in our province. This crisis is a result of decades of underinvestment in affordable housing and our social assistance programs, as well as a lack of quality jobs. More and more cities in Ontario have begun declaring food insecurity as an emergency, and we are proud of the work that Feed Ontario members Food Banks Mississauga, Kingston Food Bank, Daily Bread Food Bank, and Ottawa Food Bank have done in working with their cities and advocating for policy change to address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity. Addressing poverty takes bold action. Find out more about each of these members’ important work with their cities here: https://lnkd.in/gzk-Zqim https://lnkd.in/dCXMBsr https://lnkd.in/gt5N378c https://lnkd.in/eEsG3eDR

With the upcoming provincial #election just around the corner, it’s more essential than ever to use YOUR voice to call on political representatives in your area to commit to taking BOLD ACTION to prioritize people.   With over 1 million people already accessing a food bank in #Ontario, the threat of significant job losses on the horizon is a critical issue. Food banks cannot shoulder another surge in need for their services.   We need a strong social safety net to ensure people can stay on their feet when the unexpected happens. Here’s the problem: only 27% of unemployed Ontarians were eligible for EI last year, despite 48% contributing to the program. This leaves many to rely on programs like Ontario Works, which provides just $733 a month – an impossible amount to get by on with today’s cost of living.   The next government has the opportunity to take steps to build an #Ontario where everyone can be protected in times of uncertainty. Steps like: 👉 improving our social support programs to ensure that when a worker loses their job, they have a safe place to land and can quickly get back on their feet 👉 making sure workers can earn a wage that covers today’s cost of living and allows them to save for tomorrow. Policies like these can support all Ontarians while addressing the root causes of #poverty.    You can read more about the bold action needed and how you can vote to prioritize people Feed Ontario is calling for this election here: https://ow.ly/BIfQ50UTyRK

It's possible to build an Ontario where everyone can stay on their feet during times of crisis. Things in Ontario have already gone from bad to worse, and for many people in the province it could get even harder with the possibility of significant job losses on the horizon. This election, tell the parties to commit to policies that prioritize people by making key investments that allow everyone to have a safe place to land if they lose their job. Addressing poverty means taking immediate and bold action to protect Ontario’s people and communities. Learn more about how to let your voice be heard here: https://ow.ly/WOX550USxil

As a growing number of our neighbours, friends, and community members are forced to turn to a food bank to get by, the dedication of our donors is more essential than ever. This month, we’re highlighting Pizzey Ingredients, who donated 44 pallets of Flax Seed Milk – a total of 79,200lb.! Thank you, Pizzey Ingredients, for working with us to support those facing hunger during this time of heightened need. Find out how you can get involved with Feed Ontario’s work here: https://ow.ly/cskU50UgHzx

When housing costs take up your entire income, there’s nothing left to budget. In Ontario, many of our neighbours, friends, and community members are struggling to get by, and one factor that contributes to this is a lack of affordable housing. 76% of food bank visitors rely on private market rentals, and according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement(SCHL), London was the only city in Ontario to have any housing affordable to low-income renters. Watch our panel discussion A Fireside Chat: Myths and Misconceptions on Food Bank Use in Ontario to find out more about the solutions to the root causes of food insecurity in the province: https://ow.ly/9P0X50UO71t

Don’t miss the chance to apply to join the Feed Ontario Board of Directors - if you’re passionate about food security, a dynamic leader, and looking to make a difference in your community, we want to hear from you! Our board plays a vital role shaping the strategic direction of Ontario’s food bank network and playing a leadership role in addressing the issues of food security, income security, and other factors affecting our food banks and their visitors across Ontario. Applications will be accepted until this Friday, January 31st, 2025. Learn more about the role and how to apply here: https://ow.ly/9XSA50UCAIK

Times are hard for people throughout Ontario right now amid growing economic pressures. You may have heard the news that those who paid taxes in 2023, regardless of income, will be receiving a $200 rebate from the provincial government. The 200dollars.ca initiative encourages those who can to direct their rebates to a charitable organization of their choice. By pooling resources towards organizations actively working to make a difference, we can collectively support those who are being impacted by poverty and escalating costs of living in the province. The organization highlights that individually we’ll have $200, but together we have $3 billion to support the public good, and many people are choosing to direct their donations to help address food insecurity in their communities. Visit www.200dollars.ca to learn more about this initiative.

We know that there’s no single story of hunger in Ontario. That’s why we invited frontline experts to discuss the reality food banks are seeing in their communities at our panel last month, A Fireside Chat: Myths and Misconceptions on Food Bank Use in Ontario. The panel was a powerful conversation that answered pressing questions submitted by audience members, and addressed how we can work toward an end to the food security crisis in the province. Watch the full panel recording here: https://ow.ly/STYb50UMRwU