The Salvation Army has the Province Covered in Addressing Food Insecurity

From north to south, east to west, The Salvation Army in Ontario provides hope in helping individuals and families access healthy and nutritious meals as food prices and housing costs continue to rise.

The Salvation Army operates 97 food banks and pantries managed  through Corps Ministry Units and Community and Family Services (CFS) throughout the province. Also, there are five food pantries run out of Salvation Army social service locations: Ottawa’s Bethany Hope Centre, Ottawa Booth Centre, Windsor Centre of Hope, the Journey to Life Centre in Thunder Bay and Barrie Bayside Mission Centre.

Non-meal food assistance are items provided by a food bank such as groceries, gift cards or school snacks – anything food related, but not a freshly prepared meal. The Salvation Army provides plenty of those as well.

“Food provision is the number one service provided through CFS in Ontario, including food banks, community meals, cooking programs, school feeding programs, good food boxes containing fresh fruit and vegetables, gift cards and food harvested in community gardens,” says Tammi Ritson, Community and Family Services Specialist with The Salvation Army in Ontario.

“Many of our food banks and pantries were emergency-based prior to COVID-19 when families and individuals visited only one or twice a year. Over the past two years, we have seen an increase in the number of visitors who now come on a more frequent basis, often monthly, because of their circumstances.” These circumstances include a variety of factors, such as the ability to find affordable housing, or trying to manage the increase cost of living, which is even more difficult for individuals and families living on fixed incomes.  In a lot of cases, individuals on fixed incomes have accommodations that don’t include appliances, leaving them without cooking options.

“This is where meal programs are so very valuable as it allows individuals to have a hot cooked meal, or even a cold meal but one that is healthy and balanced,” Tammi says.

“Rising inflation continues to impact our communities’ most vulnerable who are struggling with their day-to-day needs, as costs for necessities increase. For those on fixed incomes, the reality of inflation without an increase in income is very overwhelming.”

The Salvation Army in Ontario is a constant presence in the lives of individuals and families in need of food, shelter, employment resources, assistance for young parents, and many other programs and services for people looking for a little bit of hope and encouragement.