TORONTO — Through ShareLife, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT) and with the generosity of two anonymous donors, Canada’s largest Catholic community is embarking on its biggest effort yet to tackle the ever-prevalent food insecurity crisis.
On Aug. 18, the Archdiocese of Toronto pledged $800,000 — $50,000 more than the $750,000 bequeathed in 2024 — in food grants to support parish and community programs that strive to feed the hungry.
Alarming statistics underscore the need for these funds. A Statistics Canada study declared that 8.7 million Canadians, including 2.1 million children, live in households where food is often not affordable or available. In Ontario alone, food banks handled 7.7 million visits from over one million different residents in 2023-2024.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Catholic Council will disburse half of the funds earmarked for parish-based food banks and meal programs. Catholic Charities will bestow the 50 per cent allocated for agency or community-run food endeavours. Nineteen parish programs and 15 community organizations received timely funding in 2024.
“It made a big difference,” said Arthur Peters, the executive director of ShareLife. “I visited the Georgian Bay Food Network in Midland, and I met with their executive director (Alexandria Hamelin). She was so happy when I told her that they were receiving a grant. She indicated to us that the need has grown substantially in the area, and it would make a big difference to their operations.”
Hamelin told The Catholic Register in December 2024 the food grant made it possible for her organization to continue offering its phone-in delivery program that serves over 100 elderly clients and patients with health issues who cannot access the network in person.
Sept. 15 is the deadline to apply for 2025 funding. Grant recipients will be selected by October to ensure the funds are received well before the end of the calendar year.
Cardinal Francis Leo, the Archbishop of Toronto, expressed why it was essential to take compassionate action.
“We cannot turn away from the suffering around us, especially when so many struggle just to eat,” said Leo. “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.”
Peters echoed Leo’s sentiments about exemplifying Catholic values with impactful charitable action.
“Living the Gospel means caring for those who are hungry and vulnerable every single day,” said Peters. “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.”
Counted among the millions of Ontarians accessing food banks are “families who never imagined they’d need help,” said Louise Coutu, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council. She said “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, the executive director of Catholic Charities, said “food insecurity is a daily reality for too many, and it’s more than just hunger, it’s a loss of dignity.” Along with providing relief, said Thomas, the grants “also show people that our faith community cares deeply and acts with compassion to support them through their struggles.”
Peters lauded Toronto Catholics who steadfastly contribute to ShareLife for making such a donation possible. Each year, ShareLife financially supports the operations of over 40 social service agencies in the Greater Toronto Area. The annual parish fundraising campaign, which seeks to achieve a target of $14.5 million, has amassed over $10 million to date.
To learn more about the food grants, visit sharelife.org.
