Toronto’s Halal Food Banks Grapple with Surging Demand Amid Growing Food Insecurity

Toronto’s halal food banks are facing an unparalleled crisis as economic pressures and a skyrocketing cost of living drive more residents toward their doors. 

With food insecurity escalating across the city, these institutions are playing a crucial role in supporting Muslim communities while preserving the dignity and dietary needs of their clients. 

The statistics paint a grim picture: visits to food banks in Toronto have reached a staggering 3.49 million over the past year—an increase of 36% from the previous year, far surpassing the city’s population of 2.8 million. At the heart of this demand are halal food banks like Muslim Welfare Canada, which has seen its busiest year yet. 

"These days, there are lots of people looking for food," said Shahid Khan, Executive Director of Muslim Welfare Canada, whose food banks operate in Mississauga and Scarborough. “We’re especially seeing more international students—they are struggling and ending up in our food banks.” 

This observation highlights a troubling trend: new residents and vulnerable populations, including families and students, are increasingly relying on these services for survival. 

For Toronto’s Muslim community, halal food banks are not just a resource but a lifeline. “It’s important for us to provide halal options,” Khan emphasized while making it clear that their doors remain open to everyone, regardless of faith or background. 

Halal food banks face distinct challenges in meeting rising demands. While general food banks can rely on canned goods and non-perishables, halal food banks must source culturally appropriate items, such as halal-certified meat, which can be expensive and difficult to procure in large quantities. 

Adding to the complexity is the misconception that kosher and halal are interchangeable. Although both traditions emphasize ethical slaughter, they follow different guidelines and spiritual practices. This underscores the importance of catering specifically to halal dietary laws for Muslim families in need. 

Toronto’s kosher and plant-based food banks are also experiencing record-breaking demand. For instance, the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, which serves vegans and vegetarians, ensures clients do not have to compromise their deeply held beliefs during tough times. 

“If you’re coming to a food bank, you’re struggling,” said Matt Noble, its Executive Director. “We don’t want people who are down on their luck to compromise their deepest held beliefs.” 

“We ask people to donate cash as opposed to goods because we can stretch those dollars further,” explained Noble, who purchases items wholesale to maximize resources. 

Toronto’s halal food banks are also seeking greater involvement from local mosques, community groups, and businesses to sustain their mission. Donations are especially critical during peak seasons like Ramadan when the demand for halal food increases significantly. 

With Muslims making up about 5% of Canada’s population, the need for halal-certified food has grown markedly in recent years. This rise is fueled by factors such as increasing immigration from Muslim-majority nations and the expanding second-generation Muslim community within Canada.