Executive Board endorses $180,000 going to food banks across Ontario this holiday season

After yet another year of rising food insecurity and food bank use across the province, UFCW Locals 175 & 633, on behalf of our 70,000 members, will once again donate $180,000 to food banks and charitable organizations throughout the province this holiday season.

“Our Executive Board members know that our Local Union is well-positioned to offer this support, and I remain deeply proud of their ongoing commitment to the communities across the province where they live and work,” said Kelly Tosato, President of UFCW Local 175.

Through November and December, Executive Board Vice Presidents, members, and staff have been delivering cheques for $3,000 to 60 food banks across Ontario. You can find photos from the deliveries on our Facebook and Instagram!

“Food banks and charitable groups play a vital role but their efforts are only a temporary solution that cannot address the systemic root causes of food insecurity,” added Tosato.

“Without real substantial change, the number of people relying on food bank use and other charities just to survive will continue to grow as more and more people get left behind by a system focused solely on putting profit over people.”

In March 2025, nearly 2.2 million people visited food banks in Canada, surpassing the previous year’s record-high. In fact, the number of people who have visited a food bank in the province has more than doubled in the last six years, according to HungerCount.

Among the many services to their communities, the organizations supported with these donations provide: front-line food provision for families and individuals; hot meals for vulnerable community members; assisting with school nutrition programs, and; food distribution and support through other area agencies and charitable initiatives.

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 thanks every volunteer and staff person working at these vital charities for their hard work and commitment to making our communities stronger.

Have you read the latest issue of Checkout magazine? Find it here.