Durham Region stands together against hunger

It’s an astounding number. In the past five years, food bank visits in Durham Region have skyrocketed. “Food insecurity in Durham has reached crisis levels,” shares Ben Earle, CEO of Feed the Need in Durham. “One in four residents are food insecure, and food bank visits have increased by 330 per cent since 2020, reaching more than 323,000 annually.”

Rising costs, rising need

With rising food prices and housing costs squeezing more people than ever, the demand shows no signs of slowing. In September as part of Hunger Action Month, the Region of Durham and area municipalities joined Feed the Need in Durham for a region-wide push to raise awareness, collect donations, and support local families.

“Every September, staff from the local area municipalities and the Region step up in a big way,” said Regional Chair John Henry. “From across the region, you’ll see donation bins filling up with pasta, peanut butter, and canned goods—each one a small act of kindness from someone who cares. It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can make sure no one in Durham goes hungry. Fall is harvest season and a time of bounty,” says Henry. “But people are struggling. They’re just trying to get by, and that’s why the work that Ben and his team does is so important.”

The need is real—and growing

Feed the Need in Durham distributes 2 million pounds of food each year to those in need. Almost 900,000 visits were made to all programs within Feed the Need’s network of 70 plus community food programs – that’s an increase of 27.9 per cent from the previous year. “Hunger Action Month is a time to recognize the scale of this challenge and to act with urgency and compassion to ensure no one in our community is left behind,” says Earle.

Throughout September, municipalities across the Region hosted drop-off locations for non-perishable food items. But Feed the Need always welcomes food along with monetary donations and volunteers. Just $1 can help distribute two meals to someone in need.

Want to help?

Whether it’s a box of pasta, a few hours of your time, or a small donation, every bit counts. Check out Feed the Need in Durham’s website for their most-needed items and ways to get involved. Let’s do our part to make sure no one in our community goes to bed hungry.