To facilitate meeting the needs of our clients, on our 20th anniversary, in September 2009 we estabished our 2nd client center on Unity Drive.

In September 1989 the Eden Food Bank was established as a facility in North West Mississauga that could provide assistance to people who were in an emergency situation due to unforeseen circumstances, such as layoffs, sudden disabilities or unexpected bills. We first opened our doors on Monday April 9, 1990. Initially there were only 5 families a week utilizing our services, but as more agencies and people became aware of our service, the number of families served escalated rapidly. Eden Food Bank was incorporated as a non-profit charity on January 11, 2002, with a Board of up to 10 Directors from the community. On our 20th anniversary, we estabished our 2nd client center on Unity Drive in September 2009.

Usage of the food bank continues to rise. We have provided emergency food to:

Month Families People New Families KG
Feb 2010 374 1,188 52 10,670
Jan 2010 362 1,157 46 9,737
 
Dec 2009 569 1,841 46 14,756
Nov 2009 406 1,315 53 12,233
Oct 2009 344 1,081 51 11,470
Sept 2009 330 994 40 9,857
Aug 2009 342 1,054 58 10,617
July 2009 364 1,082 43 10,342
June 2009 342 1,045 54 8,793
May 2009 348 1,101 43 8,635
Apr 2009 337 1,091 29 9,024
Mar 2009 362 1,187 41 9,828
Feb 2009 326 1,060 44 9,195
Jan 2009 307 995 36 9,310
         

2008 Profile of Hunger in Peel and the GTA

Each February and March, Daily Bread conducts an annual survey of food recipients in about 45 member agencies and the following are profiles gathered from the 2008 survey:

Key Statistics for Peel vs. GTA Peel GTA
Scope of Hunger    
% that have used food banks for more than 1 year 39% 44%
% of children who go hungry at least once a week 12% 13%
% of adults who go hungry at least once per week 27% 33%
Hunger: The Cost of Living    
Median Monthly Household Income $1,200 $967
Median Market Value Rent Paid $988 $765
% of income spent on rent (market rent only) 82% 77%
% who live in subsidized housing 20% 28%
% who receive Ontario Works 36% 52%
Median Market Value Rent Paid $988 $765
Children    
% of clients who are children 46% 34%
% of households who are caring for children 69% 40%
% of those who have been prevented from working
due to cost and/or access to children
43% 44%
Working Poor    
% of households who have at least one person working 45% 28%
% earning between $8.25 and $10.00 per hour 29% 36%
Median hours of work per week 36 25
People with disabilities    
% who have disability or illness 27% 47%
% of clients receiving ODSP or CPP-D 42% 52%
Immigrants    
% born outside Canada 57% 46%

Advocacy

Every new, first-time client will meet with an advocate, however, if you have any questions or require any assistance, you can ask to speak with an advocate at any time.

At Eden Food Bank we realize that the issues facing our clients are much larger than just the need for food. Our amazing team of trained, volunteer advocates are available 3x week to offer support to our clients in the form of referrals, information, advice, and even just to talk! The advocacy program's goal is to empower our clients to ultimately become less dependent on the food bank.

Depending on the client's needs, advocates can provide information and referrals for such issues as:

  • Employment Search
  • Housing and housing-related issues
  • Newcomer Settlement
  • ESL Classes
  • Community Legal Clinics
  • Ontario Works
  • Ontario Disability Support Program
  • Employment Insurance
  • Violence and Abuse
  • Prenatal Care
  • Child Welfare
  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  • Health

Volunteer Donate
There are many ways to get involved. You can help to make a difference.