Right now, thousands of our neighbours are facing food insecurity.
In fact, one in ten Torontonians are having to make use of food banks to make ends meet – double the rate of last year.
In 2023, Daily Bread member food banks saw 3 million client visits – a 51% increase compared to the year prior. Additionally, over 13,000 new clients are walking through our doors for the very first time each month.
Emmarine is one of these clients. Having recently come to Canada from Uganda, Emmarine left everything behind for a chance at a brighter future, free from fear and persecution. But she was met with new challenges – some of the highest food and rent prices ever recorded, and many barriers to entering the workforce.
Despite having years of business experience and a post-graduate diploma, Emmarine was unable to find work. Life became increasingly difficult. Every morning, she would wake up hungry and worried about where her next meal would come from, and whether she would be able to find work.
The truth is, things are hard, even for people with employment. According to the 2023 Who’s Hungry report 52% of new food bank clients have someone in their household who is employed. Additionally, close to one quarter (23%) of food bank clients spend 100% of their income on housing, leaving no money for other necessities and putting them at high risk of homelessness.
Emmarine says that the support she has received from the food bank has been a blessing in her life, and is grateful to the generous donors, volunteers and advocates who contribute to ensuring people have a place to turn during difficult times.
“It is thanks to you that I can go to sleep without worrying about going hungry,” she says. “Your support has given me more than food – it has given me a sense of home for my future.”
Today, Emmarine volunteers at the food bank because she has a deep desire to give back to the community that has meant so much to her during some of the most difficult times.
At Daily Bread Food Bank, we are committed to facilitating food access to those who need it. At the same time, we continue to advocate loudly for a city where every person is able to live a life of dignity and to fully realize their right to food.
If you would like to support neighbours like Emmarine, please click here to donate today.
