Food Insecurity in Toronto is on the rise

Access to food is considered one of the major social determinants of health. We all know that food is a requirement for survival, providing our bodies with life-sustaining nutrients, giving us the energy to complete our daily tasks, and supporting our continued growth and development. We also know that not all food is created equal, and the quality of what we consume can have major impacts on all aspects of our health. Despite the universal importance of good, nutritious food and the abundance of food and groceries available in our city, 1 in 7 households in Toronto struggle with food insecurity and that number is steadily increasing.

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity is defined as “the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.” Simply put, food insecurity means being unable to eat healthy meals on a regular basis. It’s directly linked to low-income and

Food is fundamental to the work we do every day at Dixon Hall. As a multi-service agency serving nearly 10,000 Torontonians each year, our program offerings are varied. But food is a constant and a common thread in all our areas of work. From our early days as a soup kitchen and throughout our 90 year history,  we’ve remained firm believers in the importance of a good meal. Today, we recognize, celebrate, and build programming around the power of food. Through food, we can stabilize, connect, and create opportunity for the community members we serve.

Food means Stability

We serve some of our society’s most vulnerable members. We work with men and women experiencing homelessness, with frail seniors who may lack support networks, and with low-income families. When we work with vulnerable populations, our initial focus is on creating stability. One of the most effective ways to help stabilize our

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