Full Breakdown
Thanksgiving Meals Highlight Toronto’s Growing Need for Food Assistance
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Charities Serve Thanksgiving Meals Amid Rising Need
Toronto’s Scott Mission and Good Shepherd Ministries opened their doors for Thanksgiving, providing hot meals to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness and low-income hardship. Scott Mission reported serving more than 500 guests, while Good Shepherd prepared a sit-down dinner for roughly 1,600 individuals, including about 300 diners at the Mission’s own event. Volunteers packed reusable bags with salads, snacks and turkey for those unable to eat on site.
Background & Context: Escalating Food Insecurity in the City
Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office estimates the province’s homeless population rose 23 % since 2022. Public Health Ontario found nearly one-quarter of Ontario households are food insecure, and Food Banks Canada gave the province a “D-” for poverty experience and an “F” for poverty measures, noting disability welfare recipients earn only 54.7 % of the poverty line. Executives at both charities say the demand for meals, shelter and basic necessities is increasing sharply.
Data & Statistics: Scale of the Thanksgiving Effort
- Scott Mission’s Thanksgiving menu included roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and cake.
- Volunteers prepared 70 turkeys, 400 lb of potatoes, 22 kg of cranberry sauce and more than 60 pies and cakes.
- Good Shepherd Ministries transformed its cafeteria to seat 1,600 diners, while about 300 people ate at Scott Mission.
- Aldo Hernandez noted a roughly 100 % rise in people requesting food at the Mission.
- In 2025 the Mission served 420,000 meals city-wide, up from about 1,000 meals in the 1930s.
Official Statements & Responses
Rocky Dundas, CEO and president of Scott Mission, emphasized that “there’s always room for generosity at Thanksgiving, and for us there’s always room every day for our neighbours.” Akilu Wedaferew, executive director of Good Shepherd Ministries, warned that “overall, the demand is increasing” as rising grocery prices and rent push more people to rely on charitable programs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m thankful just for the roof over my head. I’m thankful for the peaceful sleep that I’m able to have here. I’m thankful for everything,” — Tudor Ciobanu
- “The experience, for them, to know that they are human beings, that we care for them, that there’s people who love them, no matter what,” — Aldo Hernandez, scott mission manager
- “When my brother was alive, the Good Shepherd helped my brother when he was struggling with addiction. I want to give back. I love to give back to this community, and I find this is an opportunity where I can,” — Valerie Skinner
- “There's always room for generosity at Thanksgiving, and for us there's always room every day for our neighbours,” — Rocky Dundas, CEO and president of Scott Mission