As the sun dips behind the Peel Region skyline, lines outside local food banks grow longer. They’re filled with faces you might recognize—your child’s teacher working a second job, a retired neighbor on a fixed income, the young family that just moved in down the street.
“We’re seeing people who never imagined they’d need food assistance,” explains Melissa Payne, Operations Director at The Mississauga Food Bank. “The rising cost of housing alone has pushed many working families to the brink.”
A newly released interactive map by the Region of Peel aims to connect struggling residents with essential food resources across Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. The digital tool marks a significant step forward in addressing hunger in a region where food bank visits increased by nearly 14% last year.
Launched alongside community partners, the map highlights locations of food banks, community kitchens, and meal programs, creating a visual lifeline for those facing food insecurity. Users can find which services are closest to them, their hours of operation, and what documentation they might need to bring.
Behind the colorful dots on this digital map are stories of need that cross all demographic boundaries. Data from Feed Ontario shows that suburban food bank use has climbed dramatically, with Peel experiencing some of the steepest increases in the Greater Toronto Area.
“What makes this tool valuable is its accessibility,” notes Sonia Ladovrechis, Executive Director of Regeneration Outreach Community in Brampton. “Many newcomers or seniors might not know where to turn. Now they can find help in just a few clicks.”
The region’s decision to create this resource comes after consultations with local service providers who identified navigation barriers as a significant hurdle for vulnerable populations. With housing costs consuming upwards of 50% of income for many residents, food budgets often become the flexible expense families must sacrifice.
On a rainy Tuesday afternoon at Knights Table in Brampton, volunteer coordinator Jaspreet Singh points to his smartphone displaying the new map. “Before this, we’d spend hours on the phone directing people to the right location based on their needs and transportation situation. This puts that information directly in their hands.”
The map reveals stark realities about resource distribution. Central Mississauga shows a concentration of services, while northern Caledon displays concerning gaps. This visual representation may help inform future planning for service providers and government funding allocations.
Census data indicates Peel Region’s population grew by nearly 10% between 2016 and 2021, yet food assistance infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. The interactive tool makes visible both the resources available and the areas still underserved.
For single mother Aisha Rahman, who works full-time at a retail position in Heartland Town Centre, the map has already proven invaluable. “I used to spend my only day off traveling between places, sometimes arriving after they’d closed or finding they didn’t have what my children needed,” she explains while waiting at Eden Food Bank. “Now I can plan better.”
The digital initiative represents a collaborative effort between regional government, United Way Greater Toronto, and dozens of community organizations. It builds upon recommendations from the Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy, which identified food security as a key priority area.
“What we’re creating isn’t just a navigation tool, but a community resource that helps us all understand the landscape of need,” explains Regional Councillor Rowena Santos. “When we can see the full picture, we can respond more effectively.”
Hunger prevention advocates point out that while the map helps connect people with immediate assistance, it also illuminates the systemic issues requiring policy solutions. The visual representation of need across the region serves as a powerful advocacy tool.
Food banks themselves welcome the increased visibility. “Many people assume food banks only serve a certain demographic,” says Annie Bynoe, who coordinates volunteers at The Compass in south Mississauga. “This map helps break down stigma by showing that these resources exist for everyone in our community who needs support.”
The technology behind the map allows for regular updates as services change or expand. Food assistance providers can submit corrections or additions through a dedicated portal, ensuring the information remains current and reliable.
For seniors like Arthur Michaels, who recently found himself needing assistance after his pension failed to cover increasing medication costs, the digital nature of the resource presented an initial challenge. “My granddaughter helped me find a meal program just three blocks from my apartment that I never knew existed,” he shares while enjoying lunch at a community kitchen in Mississauga’s Cooksville neighborhood.
Community organizations have begun hosting workshops to help residents navigate the tool, particularly focusing on newcomers and seniors who might face technology barriers. Libraries across Peel offer assistance for those without internet access.
As evening approaches at Seva Food Bank’s Malton location, families continue to arrive. Staff member Gurpreet Kaur observes, “This map doesn’t just show where to find food. It shows that no one in Peel needs to face hunger alone.”
The Region of Peel’s food assistance map can be accessed through the regional website or at local community centers, libraries, and social service offices throughout Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon.
