Catholic Community Pledges $750,000 to Combat Hunger Anew

Food insecurity is a pressing concern in our community. Recognizing the daily struggles that many families face to put food on their tables, the Catholic community is once again stepping forward to address this critical need. Following last year’s allocation of $620,000 to combat the crisis, there is a renewed commitment to making a meaningful impact and supporting those in need.

ShareLife, the annual charitable appeal of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto and a generous anonymous donor, are committing $750,000 to address the hunger crisis through Food Security Grants. This significant funding is composed of two major pillars:

• $375,000 in new funding for parish-based food banks and meal programs in the Archdiocese of Toronto, coordinated through the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council.
• $375,000 in new funding to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, which will allocate grants to agency and community-run food programs.

Food insecurity is now a nationwide crisis, deeply affecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and families across Canada. The 2024 Food Price Report, jointly researched by leading Canadian universities, warns of a looming national emergency: food prices are expected to rise by up to 4.5 per cent this year. More pressing locally, the latest Food Banks Canada Poverty Report Card reveals that 34 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about their ability to feed themselves or their families—a rate that exceeds the national average by five percentage points. Additionally, a survey by Second Harvest of 1,480 food support programs anticipates that 100,000 people in Toronto will turn to food charities for the first time in 2024.

Starting September 1, applications will be open for submission. Similar to last year’s Food Security Grants, agencies and community-run programs may apply for funding through Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Council is accepting applications for funding from Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto. The deadline for all applications is September 30. For further details, please review the linked documents. Information will also be shared through the ShareLife website.

"We see and feel the pain of those struggling to feed their families, and it moves us deeply," says Archbishop Francis 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."

Louise Coutu, Executive Director of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council, reflects, "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."

"While we've made significant progress by collaborating with member agencies and community programs to combat hunger, much work remains," says Dr. Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. "The reality is that those struggling with food insecurity require our immediate and ongoing support, even as we strive toward lasting, systemic solutions."

“Hunger touches every part of our community and the ShareLife Advisory Board recognized the pressing need to continue this vital program,” says Arthur Peters, Executive Director of ShareLife. “Thanks to the kindness of our donors, we can once again fund programs that assist those facing food insecurity.”

ShareLife funds over 40 agencies and grant recipients through the annual $14 million Parish Campaign. Since its establishment in 1976, ShareLife has united Catholic parishes, schools, and the corporate community in its mission of “living the Gospel by providing for those in need.”

Catholics across the Archdiocese of Toronto are coming together with a renewed commitment to support the annual $14 million ShareLife Parish Campaign. Members from 225 parishes are actively raising funds as ShareLife takes meaningful steps to address food insecurity.

The Archdiocese of Toronto, the largest diocese in Canada, is one of the most diverse faith communities in North America, serving as the spiritual home to approximately two million Catholics. Nearly 400 priests celebrate Mass in more than 30 languages each week across 225 parishes. The archdiocese stretches from Toronto to Georgian Bay and from Oshawa to Mississauga.