Food Insecurity Declared an Emergency in Toronto
Written by Kashfia Rahman & Melina Duckett
On 27th January 2025 Mayor Olivia Chow declared food insecurity an emergency in Toronto, and for those of us at The Stop Community Food Centre, this feels like a moment we’ve been waiting for.
Every day, we witness the human impact food insecurity has on our neighbours, friends, and community. This acknowledgment from City Hall is not only necessary—it’s long overdue.
The need for our services has grown at an alarming rate. From September 2023 to August 2024 our Food Bank supported over 28,000 individuals—a staggering 7,000 more than last year. Families, particularly larger households, are struggling more than ever, with a 40% increase in families of three or more seeking support. You can find out more from our latest impact report. Many of the people we serve are newcomers trying to navigate life in a new country, workers with wages that can’t keep up with rising rents, and individuals surviving on inadequate disability and government supports.
As demand has surged, we’ve had to adapt. Noticing that many out-of-catchment clients were traveling from North York—a region underserved by Daily Bread Food Bank members—we partnered with North York food banks to create a tailored list of services and streamline referrals. We also developed a community food bank map for front desk volunteers and staff, making it easier for people to find the closest available support. These changes, alongside our work with other food banks to improve data sharing, have allowed us to refer over 1,200 individuals to additional services. These weren’t just adjustments—they were lifelines for those who rely on us.
And behind every number is a person with a story. Like the single mom who shared how she wasn’t sure how she’d get her family through the weekend until we stepped in to help. Or the newcomer who feels safe here because we try to communicate in their language, meeting them where they’re at. Or the father recently released from prison, trying to rebuild his life, who said we were the only ones who listened and offered support to help him provide for his daughter.
This is a chance to turn the tide, and a time for collective action.
With food insecurity now officially recognized as an emergency, we have an opportunity to rally our communities, advocate for meaningful change, and ensure that no one is left behind. But awareness alone isn’t enough—we need tangible support to meet the growing demand and expand our reach. Here’s how you can help:
- Raise awareness – Share this blog with your friends, family, and community to highlight the urgent need for action against hunger in our city.
- Support the Stop – Your financial support allows us to meet the rising demand for food, expand services beyond our catchment area, and strengthen the capacity of our partners and allies.
For us at The Stop, this moment feels personal. It reinforces the importance of the work we do and gives us hope that new opportunities and resources will come our way to help us do even more. But we also know that no single organization can solve this alone. This must be a city-wide effort, with everyone—from governments to organizations to individuals—working together.