The latest “Who’s Hungry?” report highlights Toronto’s escalating food insecurity crisis. With 3.49 million food bank visits recorded last year—a 38% increase from the previous year—Toronto’s food banks are stretched beyond capacity. Over one in ten Torontonians rely on food banks, an unthinkable reality in a country as prosperous as Canada. At the Malvern Family Resource Centre (MFRC), we witness this growing need firsthand. Our commitment is clear: no participant in our programs should leave hungry.
As a fundraiser, I see the tremendous impact that every dollar invested in the fight against hunger has. However, securing these resources is becoming increasingly challenging. The competition for funding across the charitable sector is intensifying, with organizations vying for limited public and private support to meet unprecedented demands. Economic pressures, rising living costs, and gaps in government policy have deepened food insecurity and heightened the need for community-based support services like ours.
The report indicates that food insecurity is not an isolated issue but a symptom of larger systemic problems. Over 80% of food bank clients in Toronto are renters; many spend more than 50% of their income on housing, leaving them with just $7.78 per day for food and other necessities. This dire situation calls for sustained investments from all sectors: individuals, businesses, and government.
We must recognize that investing in food security yields benefits that extend beyond immediate relief. Every dollar we raise helps ensure that children do not go to school hungry, parents do not have to skip meals to afford rent, and seniors on fixed incomes do not have to choose between food and medication. However, addressing the root causes of food insecurity requires more than just donations; it necessitates collaboration among all stakeholders to advocate for policies that promote housing affordability, fair wages, and adequate social assistance.
At MFRC, we work tirelessly to expand food access within our programs, providing direct support and contributing to the broader fight for economic equity. However, we need your help to make this work sustainable. As food banks and community organizations struggle to meet soaring demand, we urge donors, local businesses, and policymakers to step forward and join us in creating lasting change. Our collective investment today is an investment in our community’s health, dignity, and future.
To my fellow fundraisers and advocates, the urgency of this issue is apparent. Our challenge is raising funds, fostering partnerships, and inspiring long-term commitment. Only by working together can we tackle food insecurity at its roots and transform our communities for the better. Let’s rally behind this cause and ensure that no one in Toronto has to wonder where their next meal will come from.
Blog by:
Sumant Rao,
Manager, Fundraising and Strategic Engagements
