GTA Food Banks Kick Off Food Drive Events As Demand Increases Through COVID-19 Pandemic – Toronto | The Canadian News

Self-serve food drive events will be held in the greater Toronto area on Saturday to mark the second long Thanksgiving weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank kicked off its event in Etobicoke from 10am to 2pm. M. At 3 p. M.

Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank, said they are seeing much more demand this year.

“We have seen an increase in the use of the food bank from around 60,000 to a maximum of 124,000 customer visits in June and that is why we need events like this. To raise food, fundraise, and most importantly raise awareness for people who are seeing this to advocate for systemic change, ”he said.

In a statement, the service said they expect to hit a record number of visits this year.

“Before the pandemic, there were about 1 million visits to food banks in Toronto. With current usage rates, visits to food banks are expected to reach 1.4 million by the end of this year, the highest number ever recorded in the history of our city, ”the statement read.

They hope to raise 30,000 pounds of food on Saturday and reach their goal of 284,000 pounds by the end of the month.

Residents are invited to leave their non-perishable food items at the Daily Bread Food Bank warehouse at 191 New Toronto St. through October 31. Monetary donations are also accepted. online.

Meanwhile, in Mississauga, Mayor Bonnie Crombie organized the drive-thru event known as Mayor Crombie’s 2021 Thanksgiving Food Drive in partnership with The Mississauga Food Bank.

Crombie said the need for donations is more important now than ever.

“As a result of COVID, and so many downsized industries, we’ve had an increase of more than 167 percent in new people’s access to food at the food bank,” said Mayor Crombie.

The Mississauga Food Bank is inviting community members to bring non-perishable food or personal care items to its warehouse at 3121 Universal Dr. through October 17.

They hope to reach the 200,000 pound food goal and raise $ 400,000.

Residents can also make a monetary donation in person or on your website.