In Ontario, 1,038,503 people used a food bank 8,682,554 times in 2024. 29% of people accessing a food bank are children, even though they only represent 19% of the general population. 100,000 more children are living in poverty today than in 2019 because poverty rates have increased since COVID-19. In our own area of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry children represent 37% of food bank visitors. From 2020 to 2024 the Agape Centre has experienced a 257% increase in children using our services.
The Agape Centre is always focused on removing barriers, filling gaps in services and meeting the needs of our most vulnerable population. Our Community Kitchen opens each morning from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. for the Kids Community Kitchen program, providing an opportunity for children at risk of being hungry to have a nutritious breakfast and pack a lunch for school. Without access to this program, many children would be without food, going to school without breakfast, without lunch.
In the past fiscal year, 655 meals were served through Kids Community Kitchen. In September 2025 we served 230 meals, more than double the number in June 2025. This clearly represents the daily struggle to keep food on the table and the increased need for community-based programs like the Agape Centre that play a crucial role in supporting families.
“A child in need is a call to humanity.”
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September Statistics
Community Market visits→ 1215
Community Kitchen meals→2859
Individuals served→2946 →(1070 children)
New visitors→113
L’article Filling Gaps in Services est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
