The 2022 Price of Eating Well in Durham Region report found that more than 15 per cent of households do not have money to buy food. Mannahelp with generous donations from the community and organizations, provides Durham region, Ontario families in need with basic necessities through our Food Program.
Some necessities we provide include Breakfast food, Healthy snacks, Vegetables and Fruits, Canned Protein and Hygiene items.
We are committed to advancing food security for vulnerable individuals and families across Durham Region, ensuring that no one is held back by hunger.
By providing consistent access to nutritious, culturally relevant food, we eliminate a critical barrier to health, education, and opportunity. Serving communities in Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice, and Clarington, our grassroots initiatives address the root causes of food insecurity while promoting dignity, equity, and long-term community resilience.
Through local food programs and community partnerships, we provide essential food and support to those in need, helping to improve the well-being of individuals and families in our communities.
To reinforce our commitment to sustainability, we offer programs that empower individuals to cultivate and maintain community gardens, providing local, affordable food sources.
Groups We Serve at Mannahelp
At Mannahelp, our mission is rooted in compassion, equity, and empowerment. We are committed to supporting individuals and families who face systemic barriers, food insecurity, and financial hardship. The groups we serve include:
1. Single-Parent, Female-Led Households with Children
We recognize that single mothers often face unique challenges, including limited income, lack of access to affordable childcare, and increased vulnerability to poverty.
Mannahelp provides these families with food, essential items, and supportive services to help alleviate their burdens and create a more stable, nurturing environment for their children.
2. Households Receiving Employment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, or Social Assistance
Many of the individuals we support rely on government programs as their main source of income due to unemployment, injury, disability, or other life-altering circumstances.
Mannahelp offers supplemental support to these households to help them meet their basic needs while they work towards financial recovery and stability.
3. Individuals Living in Rental Housing
People who rent—especially those in low-income or subsidized housing—often experience a higher cost of living relative to their income. Rising rent prices and limited access to affordable food and resources can make daily life extremely difficult.
We support these individuals and families by providing food relief, hygiene items, and community referrals to ease financial stress.
4. Racialized Communities
We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion. Racialized communities often face systemic discrimination, economic inequality, and disproportionate levels of food insecurity.
Mannahelp actively works to address these disparities by providing culturally appropriate food, advocating for inclusive support systems, and offering programs that reflect the diverse identities within our community.
5. School-Aged Children and Their Families
Hunger affects a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. We work closely with local schools to ensure students from low-income families have access to nutritious food.
Principals and school staff often pick up food packages on behalf of their students, ensuring children in need receive support discreetly and consistently. In addition, many families attend our community food distribution events, where they receive fresh food and essential items that help ease the burden at home.
Mannahelp is committed to making sure that no child goes to school hungry and every student has a fair chance at success.