London Food Bank reports a higher turnout at the 2025 Thanksgiving Food Drive in the southwestern Ontario city compared to the previous year. The focus of this year’s campaign was on addressing the increasing food insecurity among children and youth. Despite uncertainties stemming from the trade tensions between Canada and the United States, Director Glen Pearson noted that the community responded positively to the message.
Londoners generously donated 82,624 pounds (37,477 kilograms) of food and contributed $131,165 in monetary donations, totaling 118,658 pounds (53,822 kilograms) of food. With an estimated distribution of around 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) per person, or serving approximately 11,870 individuals, this supply is expected to sustain the food bank for about three weeks, considering it typically serves between 14,000 and 16,000 people monthly.
In comparison, the total donations in 2024 amounted to 109,408 pounds (49,626 kilograms) of food. Sixty percent of this year’s food donations will be allocated to other partner agencies, with the remaining 40 percent reserved for the food bank’s clients. Pearson mentioned plans to allocate funds for purchasing additional food once the current supply diminishes.
One notable contribution came from an anonymous donor in London who generously gave $85,000, significantly boosting the monetary donations for this year. This individual was moved by media reports highlighting local child hunger issues, as shared by Pearson. The food bank is now preparing for the upcoming holiday season, anticipating heightened demand amid the rising need across the province.
As the demand for food assistance continues to rise, Pearson emphasized the necessity for broader policy changes to combat hunger effectively in Canada. Acknowledging the community’s support and understanding, he highlighted the significance of public awareness and involvement in addressing food insecurity, particularly for children and youth.
In 2025, 12,685 households, encompassing 33,913 individuals, have already benefitted from the food bank’s services, with 40 percent of these individuals being children or youth. Young London is actively engaging with the community to gain insights into the issue by conducting surveys and interviews with young individuals.