Hunger Action Month 2025: How you can make a difference

Hunger touches more of our neighbours than we may realize.

September is Hunger Action Month, and in 2025, the need has never been greater. At least 10 million people in Canada are food insecure. Food bank visits are at record highs, and many food charities struggle to meet the demand.

Hunger is a complex issue, and there are no quick fixes. But together, through compassion, connection and action, we can ease the burden for our neighbours and build a stronger, more resilient food system. Here are some ways you can help fight hunger close to home:

1. Volunteer Your Time

Whether it’s sorting food in Second Harvest’s warehouse, assisting our delivery drivers or helping out at a fundraiser, volunteers are at the heart of our work. Consider volunteering with Second Harvest, or look up your local food banks and community kitchens to see who needs support.

2. Connect and Share With Your Community

Food insecurity can feel isolating. Connecting with your community can offer comfort, strength and the reminder that support is available. Here are some ways to strengthen connections where you live:‍

- Check in with your neighbours. A knock on the door or a chat with an elder down the street can open space for support.‍

- Swap recipes and share meals. Budget-friendly meal ideas or batch cooking and creating a “frozen meal train” can save money and ease stress.‍

- Pool resources. Buying staples like rice, beans or pasta in bulk with friends, neighbours or community groups can stretch dollars further.‍

- Grow together. Diversify what you grow with your neighbours and share the harvest. Community gardens, or even a few pots on a balcony, are an easy way to increase access to fresh food and bring people closer together.

3. Seek Out Educational Resources

Explore Second Harvest’s Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste report and other resources to better understand the scope of the issue, and how collective action can make a difference.

4. Support Second Harvest

Every dollar donated to Second Harvest helps rescue and redistribute enough food for five meals, and this month, TUMS is matching donations, which means every dollar you give provides enough for ten meals. Make a donation here.

This Hunger Action Month, let’s show what’s possible when neighbours care for neighbours. Together, we can make sure more people have the food they need and deserve.