Partnership is at the heart of this work.

According to OHCHR (United Nations Human Right Office of The High Commissioner), Human rights include the basic necessities of life: dignity, stability, opportunity, and long-term well-being.

When these basic necessities are not met, this impacts a person’s dignity, stability and long-term well-being.

When they are uncertain, stability becomes fragile. 

Therefore, access to food is not a privilege but it is foundational to dignity, well-being, and opportunity of an individual.

In just three months, together with our partnerships, and with your continued support, our ANIDA Food Bank collected 307,782 pounds of donated food! That is like filling a thousand grocery carts. This milestone was made possible because local businesses contributed resources, volunteers dedicated their time, and supporters stood alongside us in purpose. The number represents collaboration in action.

As well, that number goes beyond inventory. For us, it represents:

• Various partners responding to the urgent local community needs
• Shared responsibility for supporting vulnerable families, seniors and children
• Collective commitment to ensure our shelves are continuously stocked and distribution remains consistent

We are aware that each person arrives with a unique story, yet many share the same underlying challenge: the rising cost of living and the growing difficulty of affording consistent, nutritious food.

The need continues to grow.

According to the Daily Bread Food Bank and reports from the Toronto City Council, client visits have surged to 4.1 million, reaching a record high. Since food insecurity was declared an emergency in Toronto in 2024, demand has not slowed. For many households, this situation is no longer a temporary setback but now as an ongoing reality.

Food insecurity extends far beyond an empty pantry. It affects daily life in multiple ways. It is associated with increased physical health challenges, as families may rely on less nutritious options or reduce portion sizes to make food last longer.

It can contribute to mental health strain. It can deepen financial instability, as families balance rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries. 

Over time, it can also impact children’s development, impacting their academic performance, and overall well-being.

These interconnected effects remind us that access to food is not only about meals but it is about stability across many areas of life.

This is why partnerships and your support matters.

As food insecurity rises, our partnerships have strengthened. Local businesses have contributed donations and resources. Volunteers have given their time and energy to support the operations from open to close.

Our ANIDA Food Bank is committed to helping local Canadian communities address hunger. 

We are grateful for the donations that have strengthened our food inventory and enabled us to respond effectively to increasing demand.

Every contribution has helped us maintain shelves, prepare distributions, and serve clients with care. These resources allow us to remain prepared as needs fluctuate throughout the year.

We continue to move forward in our mission to provide food supplies to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in our community. 

And we are not done yet.

Our goal is to expand our partnerships and continue building our capacity so that no family is turned away due to lack of resources. We are actively working to strengthen collaboration with local organizations, increase community engagement, and develop sustainable pathways for ongoing support. 

Growth in partnerships enables growth in impact.

While the statistics highlight urgency, they also demonstrate the power of collective action. When communities come together, needs can be met. When individuals contribute according to their ability, significant change becomes possible. The 307,782 pounds collected in three months is evidence of what collaboration can achieve.

We recognize that food insecurity remains a pressing issue. But we also recognize the strength of our community. Through continued partnership, responsible stewardship, and sustained engagement, we can respond effectively to present needs while building resilience for the future.