Credit unions care about supporting their communities this holiday season. To kickstart the annual season of giving, this year the credit union is donating $120,000 to community partners to address food insecurity in the area. With inflation grossly impacting food prices over the last several years, it has greatly impacted residents ability to afford everyday basic grocery items. This credit union's donation is designed to provide some level of assistance to those in need.

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Source: FirstOntario Credit Union

FirstOntario Credit Union is donating $120,000 to address food insecurity to 19 community partners as today it kicks off its annual Season of Giving. Including this year’s donation, FirstOntario has donated more than $480,000 over the last four years to food banks in Hamilton, the Niagara Region, Halton, Haldimand-Norfolk and several communities in southwestern Ontario.

Unfortunately, the impact of inflation on food prices over the last several years has had a profound effect on many people’s ability to afford basic grocery items. A recent report from Food Banks Canada found that the use of food banks
has increased by 90 per cent since 2019 and is now at its highest level ever. Sadly, the number of children using food banks has increased from 300,000 per month five years ago, to a staggering 700,000 per month now.

“FirstOntario is committed to doing what we can to make a difference in our communities,” said Lloyd Smith, CEO, FirstOntario. “Food insecurity is among the key priority issues of focus for our organization and this donation is designed to provide some level of assistance to those in need. We hope that our involvement and position can inspire other organizations to join the effort.”