GTA food banks kick off food drive events as demand rises through COVID-19 pandemic – Toronto

Drive-thru meals drive occasions are taking place across the Greater Toronto Area Saturday to mark the second Thanksgiving lengthy weekend throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto’s Each day Bread Meals Financial institution kicked off their occasion in Etobicoke from 10 a.m. to three p.m.

Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Each day Bread Meals Financial institution, stated they’re seeing much more demand this 12 months.

“We’ve seen an increase in meals financial institution utilization from about 60,000 to a excessive this June of 124,000 shopper visits and in order that’s why we’d like occasions like this. To lift meals, to boost funds, and most significantly, elevate consciousness in order that people who’re watching this can advocate for systemic change,” he stated.

In a press release, the service stated they’re anticipating to hit a report variety of visits this 12 months.

“Pre-pandemic, there have been near 1-million visits to meals banks in Toronto. At present utilization charges, meals financial institution visits are anticipated to achieve 1.4 million by the top of this 12 months – the best quantity ever recorded in our metropolis’s historical past,” the assertion learn.

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Preventing meals insecurity in Toronto forward of Thanksgiving weekend

They hope to boost 30,000 kilos of meals Saturday and attain their objective of 284,000 kilos by the top of the month.

Residents are invited to drop off their non-perishable meals gadgets on the Each day Bread Meals Financial institution’s warehouse at 191 New Toronto St. up till Oct. 31. Financial donations are additionally accepted online.

In the meantime in Mississauga, mayor Bonnie Crombie hosted the drive-thru occasion generally known as Mayor Crombie’s 2021 Thanksgiving Meals Drive in collaboration with The Mississauga Meals Financial institution.

Crombie stated the necessity for donations is extra essential now than ever.

“On account of COVID, and so many industries downsizing, we’ve had over 167 per cent enhance in new people accessing meals on the meals financial institution,” stated Mayor Crombie.

The Mississauga Meals Financial institution is inviting neighborhood members to carry non-perishable meals or private care gadgets to their warehouse at 3121 Common Dr. via till Oct. 17.

They hope to achieve a objective of 200,000 kilos of meals and lift $400,000.

Residents also can make a financial donation in-person or on their website.