As individuals, friends, and families in Canada gear up for the 2022 holiday season, our minds turn toward festivities that are filled with loved ones, gift exchanges and some of our favourite dishes served at the dinner table.
With food banks across the country being stretched to their limits due to demand that is higher than ever, however, this holiday season will also be the quintessential time to spread the spirit of giving by looking out for those in need.
GET THE WHOLE PICTURE
Download our full HungerCount 2022 report here
Especially as food banks in Canada are bracing for more visits amid severe cost-of-living increases, supporting local food banks in your community is a great way to spread the spirit of giving this season.
Here are some ways you can make an impact in your community by supporting Food Banks Canada’s network through your annual holiday traditions.
Raise Food
At your next holiday gathering with friends, family or coworkers, consider asking them to bring a donation for your local food bank. See what items are needed most and find a food bank in your community where you can drop off the donations.
Loblaw Companies Limited stores are hosting their annual Holiday Food Drive between December 2 and December 24. Visit your local Loblaw banner store to donate food or funds to support your local community.
Raise Money
You can also host a holiday or festive-themed fundraiser for your friends, family and co-workers to support your local food bank. Love doing crafts or baking? Consider hosting a craft night or running a bake sale to raise funds for a food bank close to your heart.
What about hosting a holiday dinner to raise funds for Canada’s food bank network? In the invitation for your festive fundraising event, be sure to ask your friends, family, and co-workers to make a donation to support families, seniors and children who are struggling with food insecurity.
This year, a number of businesses in communities across the country are receiving donations on behalf of Food Banks Canada. As part of your holiday shopping, please consider visiting the stores mentioned below.
Unique ideas and campaigns
You can show your support for Food Banks Canada and make a donation at any of the Crate and Barrel or CB2 locations across the country. Additionally, $10 from every sale of their Papa Leo’s Pasta Ornament Set will be donated to Food Banks Canada.
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to make a donation? Visit your closest 7-Eleven! By rounding up your purchase or making a donation at the coin boxes located at cash registers, you can make a difference this holiday season.
On the hunt for the perfect holiday outfit? American Eagle is supporting Food Banks Canada to assist those in need. You can join us by making a donation with purchase in all American Eagle stores across Canada from October 8 through December 24.
Looking for gifts that will give back and bring a bountiful harvest throughout the spring and summer? West Coast Seeds is supporting Food Banks Canada with their signature collection of seeds, and 100 per cent of sales will be donated to Food Banks Canada. You can choose seed packets that include multi-colour sunflowers, mini cucumbers, and an easy-to-grow basil.
Celebrate With Family and Friends
Searching for something to do together with friends and family? Want to see a train lit up with hundreds of bright lights and enjoy some entertainment, food and hot chocolate while raising awareness, food, and funds for local food banks?
The 24th annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is currently travelling through Canada and the U.S. The shows are free, and a local food bank will be on site collecting healthy food donations and monetary donations at each event. Check out the 2022 Holiday Train schedule and take the opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere and entertainment while supporting your local community.
Yummy Ways to Show Your Support
Looking for a delicious meal to share with the whole family? Visit Swiss Chalet. For every Festive Meal sold between Nov. 1 and Dec. 26, 2022, an equivalent of one meal will be donated to Food Banks Canada, up to 100,000 meals.
For those who may be trading the snow for sand this winter, get your vacation started with SSP Canada. Until Jan. 10, 2023, SSP Canada will be donating to Food Banks Canada for the purchase of every Tito’s Bloody Caesar at participating airport bar and restaurant locations in Canada.
Are you planning on creating elevated cocktails at home for your holiday guests? From now until December 31, Ketel One will donate the equivalent of one meal to Food Banks Canada for every Ketel One bottle (except for 375 ml) purchased in participating retail outlets in the provinces of Ontario, B.C., Quebec and Manitoba.
Finally, McDonald’s invites you to visit The Giving Page, live from December 12 to December 31. For every unique page visit this site gets, one meal will be donated to Food Banks Canada. Help McDonald’s donate up to 500,000 meals this holiday season.
Volunteer
At such a busy time of year, organizing a group food sorting event is a fantastic strategy to extend the season of giving even after the hustle and bustle has subsided. Local food banks will have their hands full sorting all the donations that will hopefully be collected during holiday food drives, so arranging a group food sorting event is a great way to spend time with your friends and family while giving back to your community.
To find out more about volunteer opportunities in your area, contact your local food bank.
Food Banks Canada Wishes You Happy Holidays!
Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast to coast to coast. When you participate or donate to these holiday campaigns, you help to support over 4,500 affiliate food banks who serve our most vulnerable neighbours.
Thank you for helping to create a Canada where no one goes hungry this holiday season.