Catholic Community Commits $800,000 to Fight Hunger
As food insecurity worsens across the GTA, the Catholic community is responding with its largest-ever contribution to fight hunger. ShareLife, the annual charitable appeal of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT), and two generous anonymous donors, have pledged a combined $800,000 in Food Security Grants for 2025—building on previous commitments of $500,000 in 2023 and $750,000 in 2024.
According to Statistics Canada, 8.7 million Canadians, including 2.1 million children, live in households where food is not always available or affordable. The problem is worsening nationwide — Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2024 report shows that in March 2024 alone, food banks across the country recorded 2,059,636 visits, the highest monthly total in Canadian history.
In Ontario, food banks handled 7.7 million visits from more than one million residents in 2023–24, with many families depending on them month after month to get by. Within Toronto, the Daily Bread Food Bank reports that more than one in ten residents rely on food banks, and nearly one in four clients is a child under 18.
Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, spoke about the call to compassion and action:
“We cannot turn away from the suffering around us, especially when so many struggle just to eat. Our Catholic family is called not only to witness God’s love but to live it boldly: feed the hungry, restore dignity, and stand shoulder to shoulder with those in need. As Scripture reminds us in Isaiah 58:10, ‘If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness.’ Together, through these grants and our generous hearts, we bring hope where despair threatens to take hold.”
“Every week, we hear from new people, families who never imagined they’d need help,” said Louise Coutu, Executive Director of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council. “These grants don’t just fill empty plates; they restore hope and remind people they are not alone. Our community is stronger when we stand together to feed those in need.”
Dr. Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, added, “Food insecurity is a daily reality for too many, and it’s more than just hunger, it’s a loss of dignity. These grants provide immediate relief, but they also show people that our faith community cares deeply and acts with compassion to support them through their struggles.”
“Living the Gospel means caring for those who are hungry and vulnerable every single day,” said Arthur Peters, Executive Director of ShareLife. “As the need grows, so does our commitment. Every year, more families reach a breaking point, and every year we respond with greater generosity and love. This is how we, as a community, live our faith in action.”
Similar to last year’s Food Security Grants, organizations and agencies may apply for funding through Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council is accepting applications for funding from Catholic parishes. Please review the linked documents for further details. Information will also be shared through the ShareLife website.
