The Mississauga Food Bank has seen a 40% increase in food bank users who are children during COVID-19.
The Mississauga Food Bank is once again partnering with Give 30 during Ramadan to raise funds and food for hungry children, seniors, families, and other neighbours across the city. Give 30 is a grassroots initiative that was founded in 2012 and encourages giving to those in need in the spirit of Ramadan. With the support of a generous donor, the first $25,000 donated to The Mississauga Food Bank’s Give 30 fundraiser will be matched dollar for dollar to feed twice as many hungry neighbours.
Since the onset of the pandemic, The Mississauga Food Bank has seen a surge in demand to feed over 30,000 people across their network of over 50 agencies, with over 8,000 being first time food bank users. Thanks to the support and generosity from the community, food for almost 5,000,000 meals has already been distributed – but the need continues.
“Hungry neighbours count on us for healthy food year-round and the need has only increased during the pandemic,” says Meghan Nicholls, CEO. “Ramadan is a special time for our community and we are relying on the community’s generosity to ensure we have adequate funds to keep pace with rising demand.”
The idea behind the Give 30 campaign is to encourage everyone, regardless of faith, to show empathy for those who experience hunger on a regular basis by donating to local food banks. For those who fast during the month of Ramadan, they are encouraged to donate the money that is saved by abstaining from food or drink during daylight hours.
“Just because we have to keep apart physically, does not mean we cannot (virtually) come together in solidarity, compassion, and kindness to help those in need. Let’s use the spirit of Ramadan, regardless of faith or background, to unite in common humanity,” says Ziyaad Mia, founder of Give 30. “There are many people in our world who, even without a virus on the loose, find it difficult to make ends meet; the pandemic has only amplified their struggles and their needs. Let’s be generous, kind, and compassionate to friends and strangers.”
The food and funds raised this Ramadan will continue to provide hungry children, families, seniors, and others in need with access to healthy and nutritious food across Mississauga. Community members can get involved by hosting a fundraiser, contactless food drive, or a virtual iftar, or by making a financial donation to allow us to purchase fresh and frozen food at a quarter of the cost.
For more information or to get involved, please visit: www.themississaugafoodbank.org/give30. The Ramadan fundraiser in support of Give 30 will run until May 13, 2021.
Top Left: Crescent moon made out of dates on a white plate with The Mississauga Food Bank logo beside it on a purple and yellow background with eggs, avocado, bananas, pasta, and canned goods shown.
Top Right: Dates on a pink plate with a candle inside a glass lantern and a glass of water beside it on a white rug.
Bottom Left: Woman receiving a piece of paper from a food bank team member, standing on the sidewalk in front of the food bank.
