ShareLife is teaming up with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto and an anonymous donor to pledge $750,000 to combat Ontario's ever-growing food security crisis.

This allocation represents a $130,000 increase over the $620,000 provided in 2023 to tackle this critical issue.

Half the committed funds, $375,000, is new funding for parish-based food banks and meal programs in the archdiocese, coordinated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Greater Toronto Central Council. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto will disperse the $375,000 slated for agency or community-run food initiatives.

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Archbishop Francis Leo said in a statement that exhibiting compassion and generosity to the impoverished is a pathway for Catholics to live the Word of God and answer Christ's call.

"We see and feel the pain of those struggling to feed their families, and it moves us deeply," said Leo. "Proverbs 22:9 reminds us, 'The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.' Our faith calls and challenges us to be the beating heart and outstretched hands of Christ Himself, extending His love and compassion to those in need. Together, we will continue to bring hope and dignity to our community, to those who suffer thus making a palpable and concrete difference in the lives of our neighbours."

Arthur Peters, ShareLife’s executive director and the archdiocese’s director of development, told The Catholic Register that the data from prominent food banks and non-profits in 2024 paints a troubling picture and underscores the need for the Toronto Catholic community to respond.

“The Daily Bread Food Bank this year reported that (a record) 300,000 people visited their food banks in (February) this year, which is a 40-per-cent increase over the previous year,” said Peters. “Second Harvest has indicated that 100,000 people in Toronto will turn to a food charity for the first time this year. Across Canada, there is expected to be an 18-per-cent increase in demand for food banks this year. Food prices are also expected to rise 4.5 per cent this year.”

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Additionally, Food Banks Canada’s 2024 Poverty Report Card, released in May, signified that 47.5 per cent of Ontarians are feeling worse off than last year and the frequency of food insecurity is 24.5 per cent, both marked increases over the 43.1 per cent and 19.2 per cent rates recorded in 2023.  

In-need groups may apply for these grants throughout September. SSVP Greater Toronto Central Council will choose the Catholic parish recipients, and Catholic Charities will bestow funds on other agencies and community-operated programs. The grants are expected to be awarded in October. 

Encouraged by the strides made to date, Dr. Agnes Thomas, executive director of Catholic Charities, stressed that the struggle for alleviation is far from over.

"While we've made significant progress by collaborating with member agencies and community programs to combat hunger, much work remains," said Thomas. "The reality is that those struggling with food insecurity require our immediate and ongoing support, even as we strive toward lasting, systemic solutions."

Louise Coutu, executive director of SSVP Greater Toronto Central Council, echoed Thomas’ sentiments.

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"We have seen firsthand the profound impact of food insecurity on families. Last year's Food Security Grants were a lifeline, yet the need continues to grow. We are dedicated to supporting the efforts of ShareLife, ensuring that every dollar contributes to meaningful relief for those who are struggling."

For more information about the 2024 ShareLife Food Security Grants, visit https://sharelife.org/how-to-help/parish-campaign/food-security-grants/.