The rising costs of food, housing, fuel, and transportation are placing immense pressure on individuals and families across Canada. Children, single mothers, international students, and seniors are among the hardest hit, with many struggling to afford even the most basic necessity: food. Nearly 25% of Canadians live in food-insecure households, and this number is rising.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, BAPS Charities organized a food drive in Toronto, ON, and donated more than 17,600 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Daily Bread Food Bank on November 14, 2025. BAPS Charities also organized a Canada-wide Food Drive, leading up to and during the Diwali celebrations, bringing communities together in the spirit of service and compassion.
Leaura da Mota, Development Officer, Corporate and Community Partnerships at Daily Bread Food Bank, said, “Thank you for your incredible efforts to bring hope to our neighbours experiencing food insecurity. Sadly, food bank visits have reached crisis levels in our city. Last year, there were over 4.1 million client visits at Daily Bread member food banks – a 340% increase since before the pandemic. Like you, we believe that food is a human right, and no one should face barriers in accessing the healthy food they need. Your 2025 food drive raised an amazing 17,623 lbs. of non-perishable food donations in support of Daily Bread Food Bank. This will provide much-needed relief to individuals and families seeking access through Daily Bread’s network of 214 food and meal programs. Daily Bread simply could not provide hope and access to nutritious food while advocating for solutions to end poverty without you. We look forward to the continued success of this meaningful partnership.“
This includes individuals like Areeb, who lost his job due to cutbacks and turned to the Daily Bread Food Bank for support, who shared: “For three or four months, the food bank helped me get through one of the most difficult times of my life. It gave me stability so I could focus on rebuilding my career without the constant stress of worrying about my next meal. I plan to help sort food at the food bank and give back in any way I can.”
Hon. John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour) and MP for Etobicoke North, posted on social media, “Proud to join BAPS for their annual food drive. BAPS Charities continues to be a pillar of service in our community — year after year, showing what compassion in action truly looks like. Thank you to BAPS and every neighbour who donated. This is community at its best.”
Amarjeet Gill, MP for Brampton West, posted on social media, “Community isn’t just where we live — it’s how we take care of each other. Thank you to BAPS Charities for leading these charity initiatives that bring people together and support families who need it most. Together, we build a safer, stronger, and more caring Brampton West.”
Deepak Anand, MPP for Mississauga-Malton, said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt thank you to the BAPS Charities for organizing the Annual Food Drive Donation Event. Your commitment to supporting our community truly makes a difference.”
Sheref Sabawy, MPP for Mississauga-Erin Mills, said, “Your hard work, leadership, and commitment have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others and have greatly contributed to the strength, unity, and prosperity of our community.”
Councillor Vincent Crisanti, City of Toronto, posted on social media, “I always support community organizations that help secure food safety for people. Congratulations to BAPS Charities for organizing an event on November 14, 2025, to mark the conclusion of their nationwide food drive at the temple complex. I commend them for collecting over 55,000 pounds (27.5 tons) of non-perishable food items for families across Canada. Hosted at 17 different BAPS Charities Centres across the country, this drive had the motto, ‘In the joy of others, lies our own’. A few key beneficiaries that help address food safety concerns of Torontonians would be food banks like Daily Bread Food Bank, The Knights Table – both organizations that support families dealing with the rising cost of living.”
BAPS Charities is committed to serving society and communities across diverse fields, including medical, environmental, community, educational, and humanitarian services.
