Hunger Knows No Age
Food Insecurity Amongst Seniors is on the Rise
As our population ages, more and more seniors are coming to Scott Mission for help. It’s a troubling trend.
Toronto has the third-highest rate of poverty amongst seniors, in the country – with one in six Toronto seniors living in poverty.
Often, seniors are forced to choose between groceries or paying a bill, which means that they are experiencing varying degrees of food insecurity – lacking adequate or basic food, which ranges from skipping meals to not being able to afford groceries at all.
“I feel blessed when I
come here.” — Carol
Carol first found out about Scott Mission’s food bank 46 years ago.
“I get food, clothes, things to wear, it keeps you going,” says Carol. "Coming here fills my stomach, it fills everything."
36% of those who access Scott Mission’s food banks are seniors or children. Many seniors have no options to increase their income.
“The levels and types of senior poverty are unlike anything we’ve seen before,” says Peter Duraisami, Scott Mission’s CEO.
“Now, sadly, it’s difficult for seniors to put a meal on the table,” he concludes.
Thank you for helping us support our seniors across the GTA!
LOVE IS THE WAY that we will continue to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who need a helping hand to break the cycles of poverty and homelessness.
LOVE IS THE WAY to restoration, hope, and recovery.