Community leaders and advocates gathered at the London Food Bank’s Thanksgiving Food Drive launch, where the focus shifted to addressing the increasing food insecurity among children and youth in London. The director of the food bank, Glen Pearson, emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that one in four kids in London faces uncertainty about their next meal.
The annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, running from October 3 to October 13, aims to rally support from Londoners to donate non-perishable items, perishable foods directly to the food bank, and make monetary contributions through the food bank’s website. The event marks the 37th year of the food drive, reflecting the growing demand for the food bank’s services.
Statistics reveal that in 2025, 12,685 households, totaling 33,913 individuals, have sought assistance from the food bank, with 40% of them being children or youth. Recognizing the persistent issue, efforts are underway to gather data on youth food insecurity through an evaluation project led by Young London in collaboration with the London Food Bank and the Sisters of St. Joseph.
The project involves conducting surveys and interviews with individuals aged 15 to 29 to gain insights into the challenges faced by young Londoners accessing food programs. The ultimate goal is to understand the root causes of youth hunger and identify solutions to ensure easier access to essential food services. Additionally, London Hydro announced a generous $15,000 donation to support the food bank’s initiatives.
