A Growing Hunger Crisis in Our Own Backyard
In a region as vibrant and growing as Durham, it’s hard to imagine that hunger is quietly knocking on the doors of thousands of homes. But it is.
Recent findings from the Durham Vital Signs Report are startling:
🔴 1 in 4 households in Durham Region are food insecure.
🔴 The cost of a nutritious diet for a family of four now tops $1,230 per month.
🔴 Over 200,000 food bank visits were recorded in one year alone.
Behind these statistics are real people. Your neighbours. Your coworkers. Seniors, newcomers, single parents, and even full-time workers — all facing the impossible choice between paying rent or buying groceries.
At Mannahelp, we meet them every week. And we offer more than just food. We offer hope.
And that hope starts with just $25.
What Can $25 Really Do?
When you donate $25 , you’re not just handing over a dollar amount — you’re placing a bag of dignity in the hands of someone who needs it most.
That $25 provides a carefully packed grocery bag for a family of three. Each box is packed with love — and typically includes:
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1 loaf of fresh bread
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1 small bag (1 kg) of rice
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1 bag of potatoes
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1 small bottle of cooking oil
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1 can of tomato paste
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1 jar of jam or peanut butter
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A selection of non-perishables (beans, cereal, pasta, etc.)
It’s not a feast, but it’s enough to get through a tough day without going to bed hungry.
Imagine a mother opening that box and knowing her kids will eat that night. That’s what your $25 does. That’s the power of one small act of kindness.
Meet Sarah: A Story Behind the Stats
Sarah is a single mother of six living in Whitby. She works part-time and picks up cleaning jobs when she can.
“I used to cry when the fridge was empty,” she told us. “I never imagined I’d need help.”
Sarah came to one of Mannahelp’s food distributions timid and ashamed. But when she left, she was smiling — carrying a grocery box in one hand and her toddler in the other.
“It wasn’t just the food. It was the kindness. It reminded me I wasn’t alone. Thank you for giving me food”
A Community Garden, A Growing Solution
In June 2025, Mannahelp launched a Community Garden at 555 Rossland Road East in Whitby. Three of the four raised beds will now start producing fresh vegetables for our food program.
But fresh produce alone doesn’t complete a meal. That’s why our garden complements — not replaces — our core food distribution program. We rely on donations to fill in the gaps.
So while carrots and kale grow from the ground, it’s your $25 that fills the pantry.
Why the Need Is Rising
Food insecurity isn’t caused by laziness. It’s caused by inflation, stagnant wages, housing costs, and systemic gaps in social support.
Here’s the reality in Durham Region:
📈 Average grocery costs have surged 9% in the last 12 months
📈 Rents have increased 20% since 2020
📈 Many food bank users are working full-time jobs
Even with multiple jobs, families are struggling. We’ve seen retired seniors, international students, and young parents all turn to us for help.
Your Donation Stays Local
Every dollar donated to Mannahelp’s food program is used right here in Durham Region.
In 2024, donor funds were used exclusively to:
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Provide grocery boxes to hundreds of families
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Purchase culturally appropriate food items
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Support seniors and new immigrants
No funds were used for administration or staff.
Why Monthly Giving Matters
While one-time gifts are essential, monthly donations create lasting impact.
When you become a Mannahelp Monthly Champion, you:
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Ensure we never turn a family away
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Help us plan ahead and serve more people
✅ Just $25/month equals one grocery bag or box for a family of 3.
✅ $50/month = two grocery boxes for two families
What Our Families Say
💬 “Mannahelp has been a blessing to our family. We can now make meals without worry.” — Parent, Ajax
💬 “You actually give us useful food items that are nourishing – not some expired food items.” — Parent Whitby
💬 “Because of Mannahelp, my children go to school with food in their bellies.” — Samira, Oshawa
💬 “Thanks so much 🙏 💓 ☺️ 💗 💖 my daughter is crying from your kindness ❤️ 💖 God blessing always and forever. Our family love you all.” – I.N Local Parent
How You Can Help
It only takes one act of kindness to make a difference. Here’s how you can support:
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Give $25 → Feed a family for one day
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Adopt a Garden Bed → $50/year supports sustainable food production
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Donate Monthly → Build lasting change
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Share this blog → Help raise awareness
The Bottom Line: Hunger Shouldn’t Be the Norm
Food is a basic human right. Yet too many in Durham are going without.
At Mannahelp, we’re committed to changing that. But we can’t do it alone.
Will you be the reason a family eats today?
👉 [Donate Now — $25 Feeds a Family]
Together, we can make sure no family goes hungry in our community.
